Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees

Today's Reflections

 

Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees

Mt 23:1-12

¹Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, ²saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. ³Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. ⁴They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. ⁵All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. ⁶They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, ⁷greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ ⁸As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. ¹⁰Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. ¹¹The greatest among you must be your servant. ¹²Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection:
 

DO NOT FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE. Jesus denounces the Pharisees’ behavior that is in contrast to his own example. He has come to serve (cf Mt 20:28) while the scribes and the Pharisees burden people unnecessarily without helping them. Jesus humbles himself while these religious leaders love to be honored and praised.

Still, Jesus asks people to obey what the scribes and the Pharisees teach, respecting their position and acknowledging their authority. It is their lifestyle that does not conform to their teaching.

We live our faith not to show off or to flaunt our superiority over other people. Instead, our practice should uplift people and give them joy and meaning.

Do we live to draw people’s attention to ourselves?
Are we working for God’s glory or for our own?