Tuesday 26 August

2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3, 14-17; Ps 96; Matthew 23:23-26

Straining out gnats and swallowing camels

We’re given a rare insight into a truly angry Jesus. The outrage he must have felt as he watched the deterioration of society, while seeing the Pharisees keeping to their rigid rules, is plain to see. Jesus accuses them of “straining out gnats and swallowing camels” - paying too much attention to detail while missing the bigger picture. Aren’t we guilty of that sometimes? Getting hung up on insignificant things while ignoring the important issues? Lord, help us to recognise what’s important and what isn’t. Don’t allow the trivia to block out your voice.