For some people religion is like a game. They become obsessed with rituals, liturgies, and many little things, but neglect elementary justice and kindness. Isaiah reminds us that God is not impressed with grand displays of religiosity while there is still so much suffering, injustice, selfishness, and cruelty in our midst. Defending the poor, weak, and marginalized - those who have no power or voice - is essentially an act of divine worship. We have many opportunities each day to offer God the sort of worship in which He delights.

The Pharisees were no worse than others - we can find 'Pharisees' in every age and in every religion. Perhaps we sometimes behave in a similar fashion. We find ourselves following this path whenever we lose sight of what is important: mercy, compassion, and justice. Our faith should not be about judgment, exclusion, and punishment. Religion can become a form of mockery when we try to please God with showy displays but continue living in our own negative tendencies. Professing belief in God does not mean 'business as usual' - it means a radical change in our way of life and our attitudes. Pope Francis has been reminding us of the essentials of our faith and the world has responded in a very positive way. By our own attitudes and actions each day we can continue the work.