With his invectives against the way the scribes and Pharisees observed the Law, our Lord does not despise or reject the Law; he is simply telling people to get their priorities right: there is no point in attending to secondary details if one is neglecting what is really basic and important — justice, mercy and faith.

Preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Camp Caribou near Barry's Bay, Ontario.

Music: Charles Gounod, Ave Maria from MuseOpen.org

Thumbnail: James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Annas and Caiaphas , 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray woven paper. Brooklyn Museum, NY.