Some people mistakenly believe that they can manipulate God or manoeuvre around Him. They might use a lot of 'God-talk' but without real depth. God is not impressed or fooled by lip service.

He expects us to respond to the divine invitation with a life that radiates compassion, mercy, justice, and purity of heart. That is what Jesus and the prophets have insisted on, but not everyone hears the message in their heart. Paul celebrated that when he was with his various communities, he was gentle and kind, demanding nothing but giving all from the heart. He is clearly someone who heard the message.

The Pharisees were no worse than anyone else -they lived holy and upright lives. Like most people - even in our own time and Church - they did not like change. They felt threatened by the teachings of Jesus. He tried to shake them out of their complacency. Jesus gave good advice - He alone is our teacher, and it is to Him alone that we should listen. We should not give up our privileged access to the divine teacher to anyone or anything. Nothing should stand between us and our relationship with the Lord Jesus.