Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 22, 2022
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Matthew 23:13-22
The pious practices and teachings of Jesus’ enemies were not totally irreligious. They had some foundation in the law of God. They were directed toward the service of God.
But often these practices became more important than the religious values from which they sprung. The secondary became more important than the primary. The expression of a religious truth became more significant than the truth it represented.
All religious practices–including the practice of Christianity–runs the risk of becoming superficial. We have to be constantly careful that our religious practices are closely and clearly connected with the basics: the love and service of God and thoughtful care for our neighbor. What religious practices are part of my life? How sincere–how authentic–are they?
