upon the face of the earth. She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she and her house: and from that day the pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke in the hand of Elias.
GOSPEL. Matt, xxiii. 1-12.
At that time Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses. All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens, and lay them on men's shoulders: but with a finger of their own they will not move them. And all their works they do for to be seen of men. For they make their phylacteries broad, and enlarge their fringes. And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues, and salutations in the market-place, and to be called by men, Rabbi. But be not you called Rabbi. For One is your master, and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth: for One is your father Who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for One is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Explanation.
The law of God imposes certain obligations on us. The priest and the teacher teach God's Gospel in His name, and we shall be judged if we refuse to believe God's truth and in His Church because our teachers may not practise what they preach.
Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent.
Prayer.
Mercifully regard Thy people, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and grant that we, whom Thou commandest to abstain from carnal food, may also cease from hurtful vices. Through Christ, etc.
EPISTLE. Esther xiii. 9-17.
In those days Mardochai prayed to the Lord, saying: O Lord, Lord, Almighty King, for all things are in Thy power,
