Let us not be hypocrites

What is a hypocrite? In pairs, write down what you think the word hypocrite means and an example The Oxford English dictionary offers this definition: Hypocrite: A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

Today’s Gospel reading: The people had gathered in their thousands so that they were treading on one another. And Jesus began to speak, first of all to his disciples. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees – that is, their hypocrisy. Everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. For this reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed on the housetops.

But what does this mean? Watch me! In your pairs consider these questions after you have watched the video: Are you guilty of expecting things from others that you would not do yourself? Have you ever lied to others about the amount of the amount of homework or revision you have done? Have you ever felt annoyed with your parent/carer or teachers because they are telling you to act in a way that they don’t act themselves? Do you think this could be because they want better for you than they do themselves? Watch me!

We can lie to others but not to ourselves….

Do you spend more time making people believe you are something you are not rather than spending time on making yourself the person you want to be?

The most helpful person. The hardest working student. Practical changes… Try to be: The most helpful person. The hardest working student. The person who always tries their best.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred    People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred.  Forgive them anyway.             If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.             If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.            If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.             What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.             If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.             The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.          Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.          In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway. Amen