Abraham is the father in faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. What did he do that was so praiseworthy? It's simple: he believed and trusted God, even when 'common sense' told him otherwise. He left everything behind and went where God directed him. His reward was Isaac and his descendants, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed. True immortality! His faith was remarkable - there was no creed, no Law, and no rules. Israel as a nation did not exist; the revelation of Sinai was in the distant future; the covenant had yet to be forged. Our own faith should be absolute trust - it has little to do with creeds or doctrine. Do we trust God enough to walk into the unknown and go where God leads?

Hypocrisy is deceit and dishonesty. The hypocrite is dishonest with God, other people, and most of all, himself or herself. Jesus used the image of yeast because just a little bit can transform the entire lump of dough. It is the same way when we start playing games with God and with ourselves. We start to cut corners and look for the easy way out, or say one thing and do something very different. It is then that we have started to transform ourselves in a negative way. Rigorous self-honesty and humility will keep us on the right track. Sooner or later the truth is always revealed and the light always triumphs.