While listening to one of the reflections by Jeff Cavins on the gospel of Matthew chapter 23:1-2, I was struck by his analysis of the pride and arrogance of the scribes and Pharisees and how it plays out in our lives, irrespective of our position.

Number one, Jesus talks about how they preach, but they do not practice. Holy leaders should make it a priority to do what they teach. Do you also practice what you preach, or should we only listen to you and not do as you do?

Number two, they tie up heavy burdens, hard to carry, and lay them on the people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. Are you a Holy leader at work, in Church, in the office, or in the community? Do you have higher expectations of others than you have of yourself? A good leader will join her people in what she is asking of them. Jesus gave us an example of this, like in the story of the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus works with His disciples.

Number three, all their works are performed to be seen. All their works are being performed to be seen. Do you engage in ‘showmanship’? Do you do things for people to see you, acknowledge you or for public accolades? Would you continue to do so if your contributions go unrecognized, but you take solace in the fact that God Almighty sees you? Ensure not to put your ego in the place of receiving rather than working hard, regardless of who is observing you.

Number four, they widened their phylacteries and lengthened their tassels. In Judaism, men were commanded to attach small black boxes filled with key texts to their forehead and on their left arm. These were reminders that God's word is to have an influence on their thinking and their heart. In addition, they tied tassels on the four corners of their garment to remind them of the 613 commands of the Torah, but some extended those tassels, in one case, to around 10 to 12 feet, whereas they were normally about nine inches. As a Catholic, do you carry your rosary about more for people to perceive you as righteous rather than your love to pray it? 

Number five, they love places of honour at banquets and seats of honour in synagogues. 

Number six, they love the greetings in the marketplaces and the salutation "Rabbi." Do you love to be called lofty titles? Beware of flaunting your good deeds for all to see, if you do, you have no reward with your heavenly Father (Matt 6:1)