Hypocrisy and Authenticity

We see the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the scribes through their empty words and actions. Their religious practices are solely motivated by vanity and pride. But Christ comes to show us another way, a path of hope and great humility. He teaches us that those who humble themselves are not forgotten, but rather they are the ones who will be lifted up and truly conformed to Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Are you living out your faith in an authentic and real way? Are your intentions pure or motivated by vanity and pride? Do you desire to do good and help others? Or do you only desire the glory and recognition that comes with doing good? We all know the famous question: You talk the talk but can you walk the walk? Saying we are Christians is one thing, but are we actually living the life Jesus calls us to?

 

Our faith must be authentic. Being Catholic cannot be reduced to a checklist of things to do. Being Catholic means adopting a way of life – a way that means “taking up our cross,” but also leads to true joy and fulfillment. Let us look to Jesus as the ultimate example of how to be authentic through His life and sacrifice. He is inviting us to turn away from the emptiness of pride in our own lives, so that we might find hope in Him who has shown us the way to freedom and everlasting life.