Universal Utterings

for August 25, 2026

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08-25-2026 Matthew 23 v2326 Blind Pharisee

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23 Verse 23 thru 26

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.

In Matthew 23:23-26, Jesus directly addresses the Pharisees and scribes, calling them "hypocrites" and pointing out their shortcomings in understanding and practicing true righteousness. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus critiques religious leaders for their superficial adherence to the law, while neglecting its more important matters—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

In verse 23, Jesus highlights that the Pharisees meticulously tithe even minor herbs like mint, dill, and cumin. While these actions reflect a commitment to the law, they reveal an obsession with ritualistic practice over meaningful spiritual principles. Jesus criticizes them for neglecting "the more important matters of the law," which are crucial for genuine faith and relationship with God. The focus on insignificant details, while ignoring ethical obligations, underscores their hypocrisy.

By calling them "hypocrites," Jesus exposes a dissention between their public personas and their private practices. They appeared righteous outwardly, yet their hearts were far from God’s intent. Verses 25-26 further illustrate this by comparing them to cups that look clean on the outside but are filthy within. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of internal purity over external appearances.

Jesus' message serves as a timeless warning against performative faith that prioritizes outward actions over inward transformation. True righteousness, He asserts, involves a heart aligned with God's values—justice, mercy, and humility. By calling out the Pharisees, Jesus calls all believers to examine their own lives for authenticity in faith, ensuring that our actions flow from sincere love for God and others, rather than mere obligation or societal expectation. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. Novena Day Seven for James Spence. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,


Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins


†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®


Ephesians 6:17-20

08-25-2026 Matthew 23 v2326

Blind Pharisee

In temples grand, the Pharisees stand tall, 

With tithes of mint and spice, they heed the call. 

Yet neglect the weighty matters of the heart, 

Justice, mercy, faith—true life’s sacred art. 

You strain the gnat, yet swallow down the camel, 

In polished cups, the outside’s a fine panel. 

But inward lies a tomb, all dusty and unclean, 

Oh, hypocrites, the truth you leave unseen. 

For righteous deeds, though careful and precise, 

Must stem from love, not merely sacrifice. 

To cleanse the soul, we start from deep within, 

Embrace the light, let mercy's dance begin. 

So, do not just the small things with great flair, 

Let the heart overflow, let kindness be your prayer. 

For in the balance of our lives must weigh 

The love we share, the light we bring each day. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 25, 2026 @ 04:19 AM EST

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