It is not enough to be similar to Jesus, never has been. Grace is never denied to anyone, but grace is something we all have to make up our minds about – and be converted – over and over again.

Many churches and denominations today are disintegrating because theyhave abandoned the thought world of the Bible.

The Scribes and Pharisees wanted people to use great care in the way they talked about obligations, and to make distinctions about obligations that made sense.Jesus wanted the same thing.

The Pharisees were awfully close to faith in Jesus. It was just one more step from where they were to where Jesus was. Even famous teachers like Gamaliel recognized how close they were – he later advised the Sanhedrin that opposing the Christians could be opposing God.

Jesus probably felt that the Scribes and Pharisees would have been the first on His side. They were already so close, so very close. His harsh words for them may have been an expression of frustration, like He was saying to them, “Come ON! One more step! Can’t you take just one more step?! Something greater than the temple, greater than the Sabbath, is here now!”

We can learn a little about how Catholics should be Catholics by looking a little more carefully at how the Scribes and Pharisees were Jews.

Extraordinary and extravagant discipleship is the new normal.

Imagine what they might do if you loved them just a little. Are you listening?

Jesus was uncomfortable with the religious establishment, and they with Him.

You can tell a lot about your spiritual life by looking at your calendar. Where do you spend your time?