Being a disciple of Christ is not a matter of rigidly following rules and regulations, even religious rules and regulations. It is not a question of sitting in judgement commenting on the shortcomings of others. It is not a question of insisting on our status being recognised and being addressed by the right title and being 'looked up to'. Rather, it is a question of being deeply united with God and that unity cannot be expressed without an intense concern for the well-being of those around us. We can live religion in a very self-centred way, thinking only of ourselves. Isaiah in the First Reading makes clear where real goodness lies. It is in 'searching for justice, helping the oppressed, being just to the orphan and pleading for the widow'. It is in this loving care for others, especially those in need that our sins will become 'white as snow'.