Universal Utterings

for August 26, 2026

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08-26-2026 Matthew 23 v2732 You Bear Witness Against Yourselves

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23 Verse 27 thru 32

27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. 28 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ 31 Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; 32 now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”

In Matthew 23:27-32, Jesus delivers a pointed denunciation of the religious leaders of His time, comparing them to whitewashed tombs. Externally, they appear beautiful and righteous, but inwardly, they are full of dead bones and uncleanness. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness cannot be confined to mere appearances or outward displays of piety. Authentic faith demands an honest reckoning with one’s own heart and actions.

As followers of Christ, we are called to examine our lives and confront the hypocrisy that may lurk within. It is easy to put on a facade of righteousness, projecting an image of holiness while concealing the filth of sin and deceit in our hearts. However, true surrender to the transformative power of God requires more than a mere outward compliance; it necessitates a deep, internal cleansing. Jesus urges us to discard every form of hypocrisy and to confront our failings with courage and humility.

To embody a life of true righteousness, we must actively remove the spiritual filth that clings to us—the bitterness, pride, judgment, and pretense that distort our relationship with God and others. This process may be uncomfortable, even painful, but it is essential for genuine transformation. As we surrender to God’s grace and allow His Spirit to work within us, we create space for authentic, vibrant faith that reflects His love and light.

Let us heed the call of Christ. May we strive for an authenticity that runs deep, fostering a life free from hypocrisy and filled with the righteousness that comes from a pure heart. 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 Eight 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

08-26-2026 Matthew 23 v2732

You Bear Witness Against Yourselves

In dusty streets where shadows play, 

The scribes and Pharisees were held at bay, 

With garments fine and laws to show, 

Yet hearts were empty, love laid low. 

“Woe to you!” the Master cried, 

“Like tombs adorned, but deep inside, 

With bones of dead, the stench of sin, 

You mask your hearts where light’s not been.” 

Whitewashed facades, gleaming bright, 

You preach of truth, yet shun the light, 

With words so sweet like honey's flow, 

Yet judgment waits on souls you sow. 

You build the graves of prophets slain, 

And boast of honor while they complain, 

Your fathers’ deeds, you claim as yours, 

But silence truth when conscience wars. 

Repentance calls, as grace extends, 

Beyond the walls, where love transcends. 

Awake from slumber, heed the plea, 

For hearts can bloom where eyes can see. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 26, 2026 @ 04:39 AM EST

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