Hypocrisy is often seen more of a condition rather than the evil that it is. And those who are gullible are easily led away from the actual truth by the hypocrisy of those they follow. It is ironic that those who identify others as hypocrites are often hypocrites themselves! Jesus our Lord calls out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes in today’s Gospel and will He not do the same for ‘Christians’ who are blinded by their own version of the truth, especially those who are in some form of authority?
Let us ask ourselves this day, do we often fail to understand the spirit of the law; that is the intent for which it is written and instead follow the letter of the law at times imposing greater restrictions than necessary? In all that we say and do are we bringing Glory to God our Heavenly Father? Do we lead others to closer to Jesus by our words, actions and every fibre of our being?
In today’s context how are we helping the elderly and sick to either attend the Eucharistic Celebration virtually or otherwise? Are we looking into how they can receive Jesus in the sacraments often, if not at least from time to time? How are we who are not in healthcare per se offering to help with the needs of the sick in these trying times? How have we extended our hands and feet in helping our parishes so that many more can return to Church? Or help in forming neighbourhood groups so that the communities of Christ Jesus our Lord, can remain grounded in His Word and live out their lives with His love, peace and joy in their hearts.
Open our hearts and minds to live more fully in Your love Lord, and let Your Word be a lamp unto our feet. Amen
First reading
Isaiah 1:10,16-20
Cease to do evil; learn to do good
Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the command of our God,
you people of Gomorrah.
‘Wash, make yourselves clean.
Take your wrong-doing out of my sight.
Cease to do evil.
Learn to do good,
search for justice,
help the oppressed,
be just to the orphan,
plead for the widow.
‘Come now, let us talk this over,
says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
‘If you are willing to obey,
you shall eat the good things of the earth.
But if you persist in rebellion,
the sword shall eat you instead.’
Gospel
Matthew 23:1-12
They do not practise what they preach
Addressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi.
‘You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’
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