Gospel Reading - August 20, 2011 and Reflection

G O S P E L

 

In this teaching, Jesus emphasizes the importance of service and not of seeking honor. He also stresses the point that those who teach others should give also a good example by their own behavior. The Pharisees were very strict in their interpretation of the law but often failed in giving compassion and mercy to people who struggled to fulfill its many demands.

 

ALLELUIA

R: Alleluia, alleluia

You have but one Father in heaven; you have but one master, the Christ.

R: Alleluia, alleluia

 

Matthew 23:1-12

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “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. 5 All their works are performed to be seen   They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have  but one master, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

 

my reflections

t h i n k : If we honor and make sacrifices in our service to God, we can be confident He will care for all our needs.

RELIGIOUS SCANDALS

 

“Do everything they tell you. But do not follow their example.” – Matthew 23:3

 

A parish priest baptizes an unmarried woman’s baby. It turns out that the priest is the father of the child. Shocking? The Catholic Church has been rocked with sex scandals in the past years. A number of preachers from other denominations have also figured in similar cases.

But what do you expect? These people are made of the same flesh and blood that we “mere mortals” are made of. Being “men of the cloth” doesn’t render them invincible to temptation. On the contrary, it makes them perfect targets for the evil one.

If we put our faith in our religious leaders, we will certainly be disappointed. Some people have even stopped going to church altogether because they got disillusioned with their spiritual head. But if we put our faith in the One who called these people, then we will never be let down. Only God is perfect. As long as we’re wrapped in this flesh and blood, we will always fail. Only Jesus survived this earth without sinning.

Yes, God has called these sinful people for His ministry. He can use these sinful people to spread the Gospel and bring His will to pass. That’s why He’s called God.  Ronna Ledesma (ronnaledesma@email.com)

20

REFLECTION:

Let him who has no sin cast the first stone.

 

Lord, strengthen all our religious leaders against the wily tricks of the evil one.