Today’s Gospel tells us that authorities – including religious authorities – must be respected but also challenged when their practice is out of line with their teaching. Jesus particularly warns religious leaders that being conscientious and meticulous about trivial things may prevent them from allowing God’s love to flow out of their lives in gracious acts and deeds, and hinder them from recognizing that everyone has a valuable contribution to make to their communities. The failure of others is not what is most important. Jesus is concerned that His disciples look at themselves and ask about their own failures. He holds up the scribes and Pharisees as a kind of mirror in which they may see their own weaknesses. The kingdom that Jesus announces points them to something greater that themselves, and greater than structures that have been built by humans. This relationship characterizes the new age that Jesus has initated among us. Jesus points out that all people are called to be listeners to God’s message. That listening is something that we are able to do together, regardless of status. The way of living offered by Jesus has nothing to do with arrogance and power. Rather, it is about partnership, servanthood and humility.