Today's reflection is from the Abruzzo Mountains in Italy, where Fr. Jimmy is visiting his ancestral homeland. Jesus tells his followers that they should do everything the religious leaders say, but they should not follow their example because they do not practice what they preach. Fr. Jimmy ties this to Pope Francis' warnings against clericalism, and also applies it to leadership outside the Church, noting that political leaders should also see themselves as servants, and not as entitled to special treatment. In the same way, each of us needs to practice what we preach.
### Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Setting
Welcome from Father Jim Marchandre
Location: Our Lady of Mercy Church, Abruzzo, Italy
Date: August 23rd celebration options
00:23 - St. Rose of Lima Memorial
Dominican laywoman from Lima, Peru
Champion for the poor
Gratitude for Dominican history and modern lay people
01:04 - Gospel Reading Introduction
Reading from St. Matthew
Jesus's words about scribes and Pharisees
"Do and observe, but don't follow their example"
01:25 - The Problem: Preaching Without Practice
Religious leaders who don't practice what they preach
Burden others without helping
Perform works to be seen by others
01:52 - Pope Francis and Clericalism
Former Holy Father's teachings against clerical entitlement
Ordination means service, not privilege
Higher position = deeper service to people
02:36 - Application Beyond Church
Challenge extends to all leadership
Political servants vs. entitled officials
Universal principle of servant leadership
03:20 - Modern Reality Check
Hearing words from all political sides
Gap between pontificating and practicing
Need for authentic leadership
03:44 - Call to Personal Integrity
Living faith with integrity
Practicing what we preach
Being hope in a challenging world
04:12 - Closing Blessing