They were supposed to lead their people by example of holy lives, but instead they were taking advantage of their power and used it for their own gain. Outside they appeared to be like very pious and religious people, but they were acting sinfully and not following what they preached to their people. They probably thought that no one would ever find out. But Jesus knew, and that’s why He said to them: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.” We need to take Jesus’ warning very seriously, especially those of us who hold any position in the Church, who are ordained, who are teachers, those of us who preach to others about God’s love and mercy, but we ourselves don’t show that love or mercy towards others. Woe to you…
