This reading is significant to me because it shows that people must be cautious when evaluating their lives. It can be easy to make judgments about others, especially when they do not precisely follow the expectations of society. I have found that the human experience usually involves certain prejudices. The way people appear on the outside can make for a quick and easy judgment, but this is often imprecise. As I have heard so many times before, the focus should be on the inner-self, not the outer shell.

The Pharisee was surprised when Jesus did not perform the prescribed washing. On this surface, this was a concern for him. But, it is striking that a man such as Jesus should face such a judgment. Paul’s reading also tells me that while law is important, it is ultimately faith and integrity that should be emphasized in life. The law should serve as the bare minimum for behavior and people should build on that foundation.