Where teachers of the law were in long garments taking privileged seats in synagogues and social places, chiefly in prayers and banquets. They are experts of the law but were said to misunderstanding the purpose and spirit of the law they preach. They are showy in public and are self-righteous as they mind others but could not see their own wrongful acts. They are on guard for whatever Jesus does in His public ministry, ready to question at every opportunity they thought are acts that are against the laws.
But they were ably rectified with all their knowledge and beliefs about the practices that Jesus do before the public. On many occasions, they were challenged to show how is it wrong to do good deeds on days that the Pharisees consider as holy and for rest. They could not refute the teachings as they themselves would certainly do good deeds even on a day of rest if the situation calls for like saving an animal that fell on a deep well on a Sabbath, much more saving a sick person or one possessed by evil spirit that needs to be healed.
In their desire to condemn Jesus who came to save mankind from sin, they keep denying that Jesus is the Messiah who was sent by God the Father to bring salvation. They tagged Him as using the power the evil one in healing the sick and the possessed. Even those who were raised from the dead were not enough to convince the Pharisees that He is the Son of God.
It took one traitor among His disciples to give the Pharisees the opportunity to bring Him to the mistrial in human history. The salvific story was full of twists and turns that appeared the evil one prevailing over good. It narrated how His disciples abandoned and disowned Him as the unjust death sentence was rendered by a mob that preferred to free a criminal.
There too are Pharisees in our present times, no longer in long garments but in polo shirt and denim, barong or at times coat and tie, preaching too well for others to do what they do not do. The recent preaching following the barangay elections was for those who won to be honest. It truly is appalling that a national leader would have the temerity to issue such admonition despite the dishonesty of the vote selling and vote buying that was the determining factor for winning.
How in hell could such national leaders have the gall of cajoling the winners to be honest when he is not honest in any aspect, chiefly in the non-payment of taxes. Who are to be fooled by such preaching that the preacher does not do. It takes a thick face to tell the public to be honest from a modern Pharisee of our time.
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Diminishing relevance
The advent of digital technology has revolutionized various aspects of our lives, including the way we consume and access information. Traditional printed books, once an indispensable source of knowledge and entertainment, are now being overshadowed by their digital counterparts. Some reasons explain why printed books have become increasingly unnecessary in our digital-centric society, discussing the convenience, accessibility, affordability, interactive nature, environmental friendliness, versatility, and multimedia features offered by digital technology.
One of the primary advantages of digital technology lies in its convenience and accessibility. With a myriad of electronic devices at our fingertips, we can access an entire library of books within seconds. The ability to download e-books instantly onto e-readers or smartphones eliminates the need to carry bulky physical books. In addition, digital platforms offer customizable features, such as adjustable font sizes and bookmarks, enhancing the reading experience to suit individual preferences. This ease of access and customization sets digital books apart from their printed counterparts, making them more user-friendly and adaptable to the modern reader’s needs.
The affordability of digital books also contributes to the growing irrelevance of printed books. Unlike their physical counterparts, e-books are often priced lower due to reduced production costs. Online platforms, such as Kindle, allow readers to access an extensive selection of books for a fraction of the price of a printed copy. The ease of purchasing and downloading books online eliminates additional expenses associated with physical distribution, storage, and transportation. Consequently, digital books are not only cost-effective but also offer immediate delivery, further undermining the need for printed books.
Digital technology has disrupted the passive nature of reading by offering interactive elements, enticing readers with a more engaging experience. E-books can incorporate multimedia features such as hyperlinks, audio, and video, enriching the content and providing a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This wealth of interactive tools encourages active participation and empowers readers with a multisensory experience, often lacking in traditional printed books. As a result, digital books engage readers on multiple levels, making the experience more intellectually stimulating and immersive.
Another aspect where digital technology outshines printed books is in its positive environmental impact. The production and distribution of printed books require significant amounts of paper, which contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, digital books require no physical production and are not subject to wear and tear, making them sustainable and eco-friendly. By replacing printed books with their digital counterparts, we can contribute to the conservation of natural resources and mitigate the harmful environmental consequences associated with traditional publishing practices.
Digital technology provides an unparalleled level of versatility and storage capacity that printed books simply cannot match. Thousands of books can be stored in a single device, freeing physical space and eliminating concerns about storage limitations. Furthermore, digital books can be accessed and read across multiple devices, ensuring continuous access to one’s personal library irrespective of location. This flexibility and ease of management make digital books better suited to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of modern lifestyles.
The integration of multimedia features makes digital books more appealing and comprehensive. Digital platforms often include complementary materials such as author interviews, maps, glossaries, or additional reading suggestions. By amalgamating these supplementary elements, digital books offer a more holistic reading experience, enhancing comprehension and enriching the reader’s engagement with the content. This integration of multimedia features further reinforces the superiority of digital books over printed ones.
The rise of digital technology has undeniably made printed books increasingly useless in our digital era. From convenience and accessibility to affordability, interactivity, environmental friendliness, versatility, and multimedia features, numerous factors contribute to the fading relevance of printed books. It’s up to readers, educators, and publishers if they will embrace the digital revolution and adapt to the future of reading to fully exploit the transformative potential of digital technology.