Define "Strictness"

Thursday, 28th Week in ordinary time, Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

Can we redefine "strictness"?  I would not even dare to venture its negative connotations.

Let us aim to redefine the true meaning of strictness according to the gospel passage for the day, because if so, the Jesus would be a strict Messiah, reprimanding the pharisees who became lax in their practice of the faith:

1. A true, positive strict person is not a hypocrite who believes in righteousness but does exactly the opposite.  Truth is always his guide as he journey through the path of righteousness. 

2. True strictness is guided by the wisdom of God.  He is capable of discerning if the work he's doing is his own or he is becoming an instrument of the evil one.

3.  True strictness leads people to real freedom of self, not groping in the dark but living in the light.  A strict person continues to enjoying the light of God and leads others to the light.

 If people brand us as too strict, then let them first discern the true marks of Christian.  Our faith demands that total dedication to God instead of being lax in its observance

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