The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our attitude and actions that are in harmony with the call of the Spirit to learn about love.
A place of love
The reading from the Prophet Isaiah is an accusation and an appeal for change.
* [1:10–17] A powerful indictment of the religious hypocrisy of rulers and others who neglect just judgment and oppress the weaker members, yet believe they can please God with sacrifices and other external forms of worship. The long list of observances suggests the Lord’s tedium with such attempts. Sodom…Gomorrah: the names are picked up from v. 9, but now to emphasize their wickedness rather than the good fortune of escaping total destruction.1
Psalm 50 praises the acceptable sacrifice.
* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20).2
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus denounces the practices of the Scribes and Pharisees.
* [23:8–12] These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title ‘Rabbi’ has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:7), the implication is that Father and ‘Master’ also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew’s church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts…will be exalted: cf. Lk 14:11.3
Mike Cherney is reminded of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who when he took office said that he did not want his picture on display in government buildings; instead, he wanted people to hang pictures of their children in their offices and look at them each time they make a decision. He recalls an insight from Richard Rohr: Jesus is never upset at sinners; he is only upset with people who do not think they are sinners (i.e., those who have not faced their [ego] and often project their evil elsewhere). His sense is that this is the basis of the hypocrisy and lack of empathy with those in need that are brought to the front in today’s readings.
Heavenly Father,
You gave us the example of the servant leader in Your Son.
It seems that the faults which disturb me most in others are the faults that I possess myself.
Rather than investing my efforts judging others for projections of my own shortcomings,
Allow me to grow in empathy and respond with service towards those in need.
As my wife and I move on to the next phase of our mission on this earth,
Help us to develop as Your daughter and Your son in this model of service.4
Don Schwager quotes “Who are the proud?” by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Who are the proud? Those who do not perform penance and confess their sins in order to be healed through humility. Who are the proud? Those who attribute to themselves the few good qualities they seem to possess and endeavor to diminish the mercy of God. Who are the proud? Those who, while attributing to God the good they accomplish, insult others for not performing such works and raise themselves above them." (Commentary on Psalm 93, 15)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 23:1-12 asks how Jesus teaches us today. Through the Holy Spirit, he uses a number of methods. Clearly, he speaks to us through the Scriptures. But he also uses “helpers” in the classroom of our lives. He might teach us through the witness of another Christian, in our relationships with family and friends, or through the events we experience every day. As we stay attuned to the Holy Spirit, we will be able to learn something from the people we encounter and discover new lessons in every circumstance of our lives.
Jesus, the master teacher, is speaking to you today. Through the Holy Spirit, he is finding creative ways to help you absorb his lessons and stay alert and receptive to his teaching. So try to remain open to him. He always has something new for you to learn! “Holy Spirit, help me to learn from Jesus every day.”6
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the call for justice for orphans and widows by Isaiah circa 720 BCE. The phylacteries and tassels of the Pharisees were intended to draw attention to their status. Friar Jude suggests Jesus emphasises the “rabbi “and “father” to refocus us to make God the centre of our lives.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Elizabeth Johnson who points out that when we examine the entirety of Jesus’ life, language, and mission, we get a picture of Wisdom at work in partnership and mutuality.
In his brief ministry Jesus appears as the prophet and child of Sophia sent to announce that God is the God of all-inclusive love who wills the wholeness and humanity of everyone, especially the poor and heavy-burdened. He is sent to gather all the outcast under the wings of their gracious Sophia-God and bring them to shalom. This envoy of Sophia walks her paths of justice and peace and invites others to do likewise. Like her he delights in being with people; joy, insight, and a sure way to God are found in his company. Again and again in imaginative parables, compassionate healings, startling exorcisms, and festive meals he spells out the reality of the gracious goodness and renewing power of Sophia-God drawing near. . . . Scandalous though it may appear, his inclusive table community widens the circle of the friends of God to include the most disvalued people, even tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes. In all, his compassionate, liberating words and deeds are the works of Sophia reestablishing the right order of creation: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matthew 11:19). . . .7
The wisdom we acquire as we attend to the Spirit on our journey with Jesus leads us to humble service of others.
References
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