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.
• Remember a time you humbled yourself.
• Where did you find the strength to humble yourself.
• Where did you notice this strength in your body.
• How did you feel?
• As you look back upon this time, do you see God?
• Where was God at work?
• Is there a message for you in this remembrance?
• Give thanks to God for this time in humble remembrance and for anything new that has been revealed to you.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.