“Woe to the scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge.”  The readings today encourage us to consider our faith in God as our guiding light in decision-making and in the direction of our lives.  Certainly all of us need to be respectful of the laws that govern us but the readings potentially challenges laws that do not promote love, acceptance of and promotion of people- even those we do not identify with or agree with.  While our nation, clearly has had a separation between church and state many leaders have identified with a faith tradition, which promotes love, forgiveness and the well-being of others.  The question we should be asking is, “What would God want me to do?” when choosing a direction or making a decision in life.

“With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption” our challenge will continue to be to recognize “the righteousness of God which has been manifested apart from the law” and to rely justly and honestly on our faith to guide our lives.