Gospel Reflection for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.

Lord,it is good to give thanks to you. 

Thegospel today can be summed up as Jesus' teaching  his disciples topractise religion  in sincerity of heart.  The opposite to thissincerity is hypocrisy, putting on a show of religion  with anirreligious heart.

Jesusaccuses the religious leaders of his time of hypocrisy, honouring God with lipservice while  their hearts were far from him.

Humannature has not changed since Jesus preached to his disciples two thousand yearsago.  We all encounter hypocrisy in the world around us, no lessthan in ourselves on occasions. It is very much part of the human condition butthere is a counteracting force that is an antidote to hypocrisy. This is thesure knowledge and sincere belief that inspires the struggling Christian. OnlyGod can and will  bring goodness and holiness out of our sorrow andfailings if we let Him.  His goodness is our sure hope and joy and in thiswe trust. Praise Him!