Matthew 23:13 (To Lead You Must Follow)

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"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter." Matthew 23:13 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Jesus was harsh with the religious leaders of His time. He called many of the leaders "hypocrites," who were foolish and blind (Matt 23:16,17). Jesus is so strict and critical of leaders, because bad leadership is so destructive. The hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees appeared in the difference between their speech and action and in demonstrations of piety that have no other purpose than to enhance their reputation as religious persons. At the Air Force Academy, cadets who are training to become officers are first taught how to follow before they are taught how to lead. As disciples of Christ, we have a responsibility to be good Christian leaders, and this is only possible by first becoming good followers of Christ. Lord, help me to be a good disciple so that I may lead others to follow You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Be critical of your leadership as a Christian. Is there a difference between your speech and your actions?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: The Queenship of Mary.

Faith Quote: "Those who follow Jesus as Leader will be and have good leaders." ~ unknown author

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.

* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

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