¹Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ²“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat;³therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. ⁴They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. ⁵They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. ⁶They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, ⁷and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. ⁸But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. ⁹And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father — the one in heaven. ¹⁰Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.¹¹The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹²All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit in silent meditation 5 to 15 minutes paying attention to the breath.
• What burden have you laid on the shoulder of others?
• Has your position of power put you above others?
• What respect do you demand that separates you from your brothers and sisters?
• How might you repent and turn toward God?
• God will meet you and offer forgiveness.
• As God offers forgiveness to you, God will give you the strength to forgive yourself.
• Give thanks to God for this time to confess and receive forgiveness.  Give thanks to God for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.