Jesus told hypocritical scribes and Pharisees that they blocked the way into the Kingdom of heaven by setting examples such as swearing oaths on gold, instead of guiding people toward God. John the Baptist stood up to Herod, who found John both fascinating and fearsome. In Jesus’ parable about ten bridesmaids, five missed a torchlight procession to the wedding feast because they went to get more oil. In another story, a man going on a journey entrusted some wealth to three servants. Two used it wisely, and one unprofitably buried it for safekeeping. When we focus on our shortcomings, do we miss opportunities to serve the Lord by fully using the blessings we have?