The Gospel according to Matthew (23:1-12)
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
Today’s Gospel for this second week of Lent highlights a few different points that we can consider: first, that tradition is important, but the way the Pharisees lived their lives ran completely counter to the law they supposedly adhered to; second, that outward appearances can’t make up for our hearts not being focused on God and His law; and third, we can’t take every word of Jesus in this passage literally, since He was employing hyperbole, as was common of rabbis in that time period.
I’m going to focus on that last point in today’s reflection. By telling His listeners not to use the title “Rabbi”, or to call anyone their “Father” or “Master”, Jesus was emphasizing the fact that all of the human family are on equal footing before God. No one is any better or more important to God than any other, because we are *all* children of God. During this time of Lent, where we Catholics may be more visible (for the ash we wore on our foreheads two weeks ago to how we abstain from meat on Fridays around this time), it does not mean that we are any holier or any more valued to God than anyone else He has created.
That should give us a healthy sense of humility at this season before God. It definitely gives me that sense of humility. That means I should never think that I’m “too good” to need this time of introspection to become better. No matter how well I love, I can *always* love better. I only have to think of the times that I’ve been irritable toward those I love, and especially the times that I did not recognize that irritability before saying something, and in turn hurting that person I love. Perhaps the best lesson of the day is to always take a moment before lashing out – ever. That would be a great lesson to learn during this Lenten season!
Action for the Day:
Make your prayer today one of humility before God. Ask Him to give you a heart that yearns to be humble before Him and others, that we may always choose the path of kindness and understanding, and have the wisdom to see that path before we act in a way that is not kind or charitable toward others.
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