The word 'integrity' comes from the Latin root for wholeness and completeness, and is often used to describe people whose words and actions are largely consistent. It points to an honesty about oneself and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to keep that wholeness in one's life. Integrity is a virtue that lies at the heart of the Lord's message in today's Gospel as He denounces the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees who did not practice what they preached.

Instead of seeing this as a mere scolding session where the Lord pointed out what others did wrong, it is good to consider this in the context of the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount, which today's Gospel forms a part of. Two weeks ago, we heard the Beatitudes proclaimed, giving us an idea of the dispositions that are necessary to be good followers of Christ. Growing to follow the beatitudes would enable one to be single minded in loving and serving God. Growing in integrity would help our thoughts and actions be directed to the Lord and the kingdom.

This focus on the Lord forms the corrective that can overcome the little moments where we could tend towards hypocrisy, when our actions do not match what we profess. Keeping the Lord in mind would help our actions grow to be more in line with our internal responses to God. We pray for the grace of integrity, to do what we say and practise what we preach.