Universal Utterings®
for August 26, 2024

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08-26-2024 Matthew 23 V-1314 The Hypocrites Woe

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23 v-13 thru 14

13 “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 is part of a broader passage where Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees and scribes. In this verse, Jesus exclaims, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”

This verse highlights several key themes central to Jesus' teachings. First, it addresses the idea of hypocrisy. The religious leaders are depicted as individuals who outwardly appear righteous and authoritative but fail to embody the spiritual truths they preach. Jesus calls them “hypocrites,” which in the original Greek refers to actors who wear masks, symbolizing their false representation of piety.

The second theme is the concept of the "kingdom of heaven." Jesus emphasizes that the Pharisees and scribes not only fail to enter this kingdom themselves but also hinder others from experiencing it. Their rigid interpretations of the law and legalistic practices create barriers for the common people, preventing them from accessing God's grace and love.

Furthermore, Jesus’ declaration of “woe” serves as a prophetic warning about the dire consequences of such leadership. It suggests a deep concern for spiritual integrity and the well-being of the community. Jesus underscores that true access to the kingdom comes through faith, humility, and a genuine relationship with God—elements that the Pharisees often neglected in favor of ritualistic observance.

In summary, Matthew 23:13 serves as a profound critique of religious hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of authentic faith and the dangers of obstructing others from experiencing God's kingdom. It calls for a reevaluation of spiritual leadership and encourages believers to pursue genuine faith that fosters inclusivity and grace. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-25-2024 Matthew 23 V-1314

**The Hypocrites Woe**

In robes of law, with faces bright,

They stand in judgment, cloaked in light.

Yet deep within, their hearts are cold,

A tale of truth that’s left untold.

“Woe to you, leaders, so proud and bold,

You shut the gates, the stories unfold.

You preach of grace but build a wall,

While souls in need, you let them fall.

You bind the burden, heavy and tight,

With rules and rituals, you dim the light.

The kingdom’s door, you keep it shut,

For those who seek, you overrule their fuss.

Oh, hypocrites of polished guise,

Your masks may fool, but not the wise.

For faith is more than words or creed,

It’s in the love, the heart’s pure need.

So let us strive to open wide,

The gates of mercy, where hope abides.

To welcome all, both meek and strong,

For in unity, that’s where we all belong.

For in the kingdom, none are lost,

No heavy yoke, no bitter cost.

With open hearts, let grace abound,

In every soul, His love be found. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 26, 2024 @ 05:39 AM EST

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