Imagine being more focused on tithing the correct amount of herbs but uncaring about the dramatic needs of others. That's where the Pharisees ended up -- they were so focused on details of religious observance but missing the larger drive to practice reconciliation between all people. Jesus confronts them on this.
This is love in action -- Jesus sees the Pharisees off course and doesn't leave them there. He is harsh, but does so with a spirit of love, hoping that his language will open their eyes to their brokenness. He does the same for us, too. Jesus wants you to see the places where we're more focused on practices than on love of neighbor. We all do this -- Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, but this is almost impossible. We always prefer our own selves. But let us open our eyes and hearts to see the opportunities around us.
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