The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to review our sense of justice and how we might accept the prompting of the Spirit to transform our actions.
The reading from the Prophet Isaiah deals with Accusation and Appeal.
* [1:18–20] Let us set things right: the Hebrew word refers to the arbitration of legal disputes (Jb 23:7). God offers to settle his case with Israel on the basis of the change of behavior demanded above. For Israel it is a life or death choice; life in conformity with God’s will or death for continued disobedience.
* [1:21–28] Faithful city: the phrase, found in v. 21 and v. 28, forms an inclusio which marks off the passage and also suggests three chronological periods: the city’s former ideal state, its present wicked condition (described in vv. 21b–23), and the future ideal conditions intended by God. This will be brought about by a purging judgment directed primarily against the leaders (“judges…counselors”). (Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
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). (Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus denounces the behaviour of Scribes and Pharisees.
* [23:5] To the charge of preaching but not practicing (Mt 23:3), Jesus adds that of acting in order to earn praise. The disciples have already been warned against this same fault (see note on Mt 6:1–18). Phylacteries: the Mosaic law required that during prayer small boxes containing parchments on which verses of scripture were written be worn on the left forearm and the forehead (see Ex 13:9, 16; Dt 6:8; 11:18). Tassels: see note on Mt 9:20. The widening of phylacteries and the lengthening of tassels were for the purpose of making these evidences of piety more noticeable.
* [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. (Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB, n.d.)
Michael Kavan suggests we consider the following practical ways of living out these words of Jesus.
First, Jesus reminds us of the importance of flexibility and context when applying the laws of scripture. He also emphasizes the value of humility in life. And he is keen to point out that we have but one Father in heaven and one Master and that is Christ. So, let us listen to their words in scripture, but also to remind ourselves of the importance of following the example that Jesus provided to us on earth. Never assume that we are better than anyone else, treat all people in an egalitarian manner, search for opportunities to bring about justice, and act without fanfare, but with a sense of humility. And remember: All for the great glory of God – not self. (Kavan, 2024)
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) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 asks “Setting things right with God: isn’t this what Lent is all about?”
Just think—this Lent, you can grow closer to the Lord than ever before! As you make the effort to return to him, he will draw you even closer to himself. He will cleanse you and make you whole. He is waiting for you to approach him, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Will you open your heart to him and let him set things right?
“Lord, thank you for this season of Lent when I can be reconciled with you!” (Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes the reference to Sodom and Gomorrah in the description of the punishment for ignoring the horizontal dimension of faith, the widows and orphans. The Scribes and Pharisees define the Law in a scrupulous way looking for prestige and honour for themselves. Friar Jude reminds us that those who use religion to gain power will be humbled and service will exalt good people.
Barbara Holmes comments that it took time for author and minister Danté Stewart to acknowledge and allow his own anger. Stewart writes that Jesus embodied love, healing, and liberation.
Jesus loves bodies, no matter who or where or what they are. And Jesus does not hurt people in order to love them. He did not live out of his own woundedness; he did not cover up his pain by enacting it onto others…. Jesus wanted us to learn love…. I learned too late, but I learned. I learned that we all live in brokenness, deep brokenness. I learned that Jesus does not forget bodies, despised and abused bodies, but becomes good news to them by remembering them, touching them and being touched, and creating a world where their bodies are liberated, redeemed, and resurrected. (Holmes, 2024)
As we ponder the contrast between the humility of service and the pride and injustice that accompanies our indifference to the less fortunate, we invoke the Wisdom of the Spirit to guide our ongoing actions.
References
Holmes, B. (2024, February 27). Love and Rage — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-and-rage/
Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1?10
Kavan, M. (2024, February 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022724.html
Matthew, CHAPTER 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/23?1
Meditation on Isaiah 1:10, 16-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/02/27/902509/
Psalms, PSALM 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?8
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Whoever Humbles Oneself Will Be Exalted. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=feb27
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