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Matthew 23:5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.
It is easy (and fun) to get caught up in the beauty of the ornaments that go into our worship—their presence enriches our worship. We must never let ourselves stop there, however, or we become like the falsely pious folks in the gospel passage today—all style, no substance. We must be especially mindful not to let these details blind us to the purpose for which we offer our sacrifice at the altar: in thanksgiving for the life of grace and forgiveness made possible for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
MOVING FORWARD: Do a little research on phylacteries. How does understanding this word illuminate the reading from Matthew?
PRAY for the Church of the Province of West Africa
Today the Church remembers All Saints.
Ps 34:1-10, 22 | Revelation 7:9-17 | 1 John 3:1-3 | Matthew 5:1-12