Dress to Impress or Live to Serve?

Reflection Date: March 3, 2026 | Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent 
Daily Readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12

Children of God:
In modern language, we might describe the scribes and Pharisees as people very conscious of their OOTD, their outfit of the day. 

They wore phylacteries, small leather boxes containing Scripture passages, tied on their foreheads and arms as visible signs of devotion. 

They lengthened their tassels to make them more noticeable and impressive. 

Their clothing became statements meant to catch attention. 

At banquets, they chose the places of honor near the host. 

In marketplaces, they enjoyed being greeted with respect and called “Rabbi.” 

They liked titles that elevated them above others. Their public behavior was polished and calculated. They looked holy in appearance but were concerned about status. 

Their faith sometimes turned into fashion, and their devotion into display.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus spoke to the crowds and His disciples about these religious leaders. 

He acknowledged that they sat on Moses’ seat and taught the law, yet He warned about their inconsistency. 

He said they preached but did not practice. Then He reminded His followers that the greatest among them must be their servant.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Christian life is a life of servanthood.

Jesus observed that the scribes and Pharisees performed religious actions to be noticed. He said they made their phylacteries broad and their tassels long. Their actions were visible, but their motives were questionable.

This is a reminder that faith is never meant to be a stage performance. 

Today, we examine our intentions. 

We are therefore challenged today to discern whether we are seeking the spotlight or we are embracing service.

Second, Christian life seeks humility rather than honors and titles.

Jesus described how the Pharisees and scribes loved places of honor and respectful greetings. They enjoyed being called “Rabbi,” a title of distinction. 

Yet Jesus reminded His disciples that they had one Teacher and one Father.

Jesus later showed this clearly when He washed the feet of His disciples. 

Now we reflect on our own lives. Do we cling to recognition, or do we carry responsibility? Do we value being called important, or do we value being truly helpful? And in our families and communities, do we lead by example or by ego?

Children of God:
We live in an age of profiles, posts, and public impressions. 

Yet the call of Christ invites us to integrity, in public and in private.

Greatness in His Kingdom is measured by how low we are willing to bend in service.