How foolish the Pharisees were in their stubbornness and refusal to heed the warnings of Jesus. He gave them every opportunity to renounce their ways. His divine heart was ever ready to embrace them if only they would acknowledge their own faults. We too could make the same mistake the Pharisees did if we do not stand guard and do battle against the allurement of the world whenever it tries to blot out the things that are God’s. The impediment of the love of this world, its wealth and its pleasures must be conquered through a daily struggle against our own evil inclinations and a daily endeavor in striving towards love of God and neighbor. Christ did not ask anyone to do the impossible. He led the way, and millions have followed him to eternal glory. He has called us too and has placed within our easy reach in his Church all the grace and strength we need through the Sacraments and the spiritual food in the letter to the Philippians. If we fail to use these tools, we would then be deprived of the blessings of the messianic kingdom.