Fr. Michael writes: In the Gospel today we see how strong Jesus was in his criticism of those who use religion to gain spiritual power and who do not live what is at the heart of religion – love and compassion, justice and peace, faith and forgiveness. Christ was able to see beneath the appearances, behind the masks. He saw the inner person. He saw the Scribes and Pharisees and saw a pious exterior. This saddened him a great deal. Our greatest task is to try and conform our lives with our convictions and thus to make peace between our inner and outer selves. This will also make us much happier and give us peace and contentment. 31st Sunday of the Year