Gospel Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection
When we talk to one another, you can tell often when someone is telling you something that someone told them or whether they are talking to you out of their heart, which is out of their experiences. It's interesting that Jesus tells his disciples that they should listen to the truth that comes out of the mouth of the scribes and Pharisees.
But don't call them your teacher. Don't make them your teacher. So where do we go when we seek to learn? We go to our hearts where there is God speaking to us. He is our rabbi. He is our father. He is our master.

The Closing prayer
The Closing prayer. Father, your presence is beyond our imagining. It opens us to the reality of who you are and who we are meant to be. Bless us with a listening heart, listening and experiencing. You. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

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