My Sisters and Brothers:
Today we find another example of Jesus’ frequent and severe criticism of the Pharisees (see Matthew 23:1-12). This was all about their lack of humility and their inability to place themselves in true service to others. It’s certainly worth a very careful reading and reflection upon every one of the “pharisaical errors” we hear about today! Jesus repeatedly emphasized how those with “true faith” needed to avoid behaving as they did. He said: “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” (see verses 2-3). In contrast, Jesus wanted his disciples to demonstrate their faith by placing themselves in service to others, especially to the most marginalized and needy among them. Therefore, he warned them not to follow the corrupt and untrustworthy “leadership,” of the Pharisees.
The type of criticism Jesus had for the Pharisees and other “religious leaders” was nothing new. Even in the days of the Old Testament Book of Malachi, the priests of the people were rebuked for their lack of faith and for failing to serve God’s people! And it’s not coincidental we find a clear example of this in today’s first reading (see 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10). Those priests were warned they had not “given glory to the Lord’s name,” and because of their infidelity “a curse would be sent upon them” (cf. 2:2). Malachi clearly proclaimed they had “turned aside from the way, had caused many to falter by their instruction, and had made void the covenant of their fathers” (cf. 2:8). Instead of serving and leading their people into faithful relationships with God, they had led them astray. This was the same criticism Jesus had for the Pharisees.
As I reflect on today’s Scriptures, I’m sadly compelled to contemplate the possibility there might be “modern day Pharisees” among us. These would be “religious leaders” who’ve failed “to give glory to God’s name” by the way they’ve lived their lives. Such “leaders” have failed to be true servants and witnesses to God’s love and forgiveness. And as we’ve seen in both the Old and New Testaments, such “leaders” have “caused many to falter by their instructions.” These are precisely the ones whose example Jesus warns us not to follow because they “don’t practice what they preach.” Lamentably, I’m sure many of us can think of examples of such “modern day Pharisees” who through the scandals they’ve caused or facilitated have “made void the covenant of their fathers.”
But it isn’t simply corrupt “religious leaders” who might fall into “pharisaical error.” I think all of us, to some degree or another, must guard ourselves against temptations to similarly conduct our “religious” lives. As much as clergy and professional church workers are called to be completely authentic in living their lives of faith, so too are all baptized Christians. No one of us must ever be hypocritical through our “religious” words and actions! And we must be “servants” to all. I think this is what Jesus really meant when he told his followers “do not follow the example of the scribes and Pharisees.”
As we contemplate today’s message, we might also consider that visitors and strangers may come into our churches looking for refuge from the difficulties of life. Some of these people, especially those who have been marginalized and who may have felt estranged from God, are searching for forgiveness, for love, for peace, and for acceptance. If when they enter they encounter nothing but “modern day Pharisees,” who simply wish to “tie up heavy burdens hard for people to carry, but who won’t lift a finger themselves” (see verse 4), why should we be surprised when they then turn away from us and don’t return?
My friends, let’s never allow ourselves, our parish communities, our churches, and our “religious leaders” to commit the “pharisaical errors” of the past. To the contrary, let’s always put into practice the very last words of Jesus in today’s Gospel in which he said: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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