Help over Hypocrisy

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, invite us to contemplate the hypocrisy we may witness and counter it with a commitment to act with love and compassion in our journey.

Housing and Hypocrisy

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is a powerful indictment of religious hypocrisy.

* [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.

* [1:15–16] Hands…blood: oppression of the poor is likened to violence that bloodies the hands, which explains why the hands spread out in prayer (v. 15) are not regarded by the Lord. This climax of the accusations is followed by positive admonitions for reversing the evil situation. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 50 proclaims the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience.

* [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). (Psalm 50, PSALMS | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Jesus as A Cause of Division and presents Conditions of Discipleship and Rewards.

* [10:38] The first mention of the cross in Matthew, explicitly that of the disciple, but implicitly that of Jesus (and follow after me). Crucifixion was a form of capital punishment used by the Romans for offenders who were not Roman citizens.

* [10:39] One who denies Jesus in order to save one’s earthly life will be condemned to everlasting destruction; loss of earthly life for Jesus’ sake will be rewarded by everlasting life in the kingdom.

* [10:40–42] All who receive the disciples of Jesus receive him, and God who sent him, and will be rewarded accordingly.

* [10:41] A prophet: one who speaks in the name of God; here, the Christian prophets who proclaim the gospel. Righteous man: since righteousness is demanded of all the disciples, it is difficult to take the righteous man of this verse and one of these little ones (Mt 10:42) as indicating different groups within the followers of Jesus. Probably all three designations are used here of Christian missionaries as such. (Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that justice, in Isaiah, is associated with learning to do good, setting right a wrong, and defending those without power. Yet, there are those who find passages in the Old Testament they cite to associate justice with violence and vengeance. Which approach glorifies God?

Beginning with Isaiah, God clearly calls us to do more than just recite statutes and profess the covenant. In the Psalm, God calls us to live our faith as praise to God. And living a life in the way of the Lord means living a life of receiving increasingly clear insights. It can also often mean living a life of persecution and conflict. But Jesus tells us that sacrificing our life for his sake will enable us to find it. To me, this means that following Jesus is the way to live a life in which justice is not only our aim, but also as a form of praise that glorifies God. Jesus shows us how to love each other, to defend the powerless, and to right wrongs without violence or revenge. My prayer today is that we will all make justice our aim as praise to God. I also pray we will open our hearts and minds to insights into how to bring about justice in God’s world. (Dilly, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “How peace requires a sword,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"What sort of peace is it that Jesus asks them to pronounce upon entering each house? And what kind of peace is it of which the angels sing, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace'? And if Jesus came not to bring peace, why did all the prophets publish peace as good news? Because this more than anything is peace: when the disease is removed. This is peace: when the cancer is cut away. Only with such radical surgery is it possible for heaven to be reunited to earth. Only in this way does the physician preserve the healthy tissue of the body. The incurable part must be amputated. Only in this way does the military commander preserve the peace: by cutting off those in rebellion. Thus it was also in the case of the tower of Babel, that their evil peace was ended by their good discord. Peace therefore was accomplished. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 35.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the passage from Isaiah, the prophet speaks and condemns them not for sacrifices but that in spite of sacrifice to God, they are exploiting the people around them. Our faith has both vertical and horizontal dimensions: love of God and love of our neighbour. We all called to defend the widow and protect the orphan as representatives of the most powerless in our society. Worship has to be balanced with care of those in need. Jesus speaks about persecution, even from our families. The division that Jesus brings is not a rational for violence but when we live in peace and kindness we will be ostracized. Even if we cannot personally evangelize, we can assist those who do. Friar Jude comments that we can proclaim the Kingdom in our support.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 10:34–11:1 comments that relational difficulties, even the loss of relationships altogether, are among the troubles that most of us will likely encounter—or have already encountered—when we choose to pursue a life of discipleship.

So ask Jesus for the grace to share his love with the people in your life. He’ll help you to be patient and understanding. He’ll help you to be humble and kind in the midst of flawed relationships. And he’ll help you to have faith that he is powerful enough to work even when the conditions seem imperfect. Some of these relationships will still have cracks, but seeds of love may still fall into those cracks and take root. Take courage! His love has conquered the world!

“Lord, in a divided world, help me share your love and trust your power.” (Meditation on Matthew 10:34–11:1, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, teaches that more than a description of something God does now and then, mercy is who God is.

According to Jesus, “Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13; 12:7). The word mercy is hesed in Hebrew: “the steadfast, enduring love which is unbreakable.” Sometimes the word is translated as “lovingkindness” or “covenant love.” God has made a covenant with creation and will never break the divine side of the covenant. It’s only broken from our side. God’s love is steadfast. It is written in the divine image within us. We are the ones who instead clutch at our sins and punish ourselves instead of surrendering to the divine mercy. The refusal to be forgiven is a form of pride. It is saying, “I’m better than mercy. I’m only going to accept it when I’m worthy and can preserve my so-called self-esteem.” Only the humble person can live in and after mercy. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

Clarence Jordan (1912–1969), an activist for racial and economic justice, considers the economic outcome of being immersed in God’s mercy:

By “the merciful” he means those who have an attitude of such compassion toward all [people] that they want to share gladly all that they have with one another and with the world…. To them, [people] are no longer beggars to whom one gives a part, but brothers [and sisters] with whom one shares all. This concept of charity, or mercy, led some of the early Christians to a state of voluntary poverty in which “All the believers were together and held all things in common” (Acts 2:44). [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Wisdom and Consolation of the Spirit as we struggle with opposition to Jesus' Way that we may see as a selection of rules and restrictions that resonate with human objectives rather than the universal love of God.

References

Dilly, B. (2026, July 13). Daily Reflection July 13, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-13-2026 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/1? 

Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10 

Meditation on Matthew 10:34–11:1. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/13/1617025/ 

Psalm 50, PSALMS | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). God’s Mercy Endures Forever. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50?8 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, but a Sword. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Separation and Seekers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the nature of our choice of fullness of life and the consequences of our choice.

Separation with Seeking

The Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts Freedom from Sin and Life in God.

* [6:20] You were free from righteousness: expressed ironically, for such freedom is really tyranny. The commercial metaphors in Rom 6:21–23 add up only one way: sin is a bad bargain.

* [6:22] Sanctification: or holiness. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 1 proclaims Two Ways of Life.

* [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death. (Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus identifies His Way as a Cause of Division.*

* [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

* [12:50] Baptism: i.e., his death. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jane Stein comments that the Gospel from Luke gives us a challenging dimension of discipleship. Jesus declares that His coming is not simply to bring a superficial peace but to set the world on fire with God’s love and truth—a fire that purifies, unsettles, and divides.

Taken together, these scriptures do not paint a comfortable picture of discipleship. They remind us that to follow Christ is to choose deliberately: life over death, sanctification over sin, rootedness in God’s word over drifting with the winds of the world, radical fidelity to Jesus above all earthly loyalties. This reality may be jarring, but with it comes the promise that living as servants of God leads to freedom, flourishing, and eternal life. As the psalm assures us, blessed indeed are those whose hope is in the Lord. (Stein, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in the Holy Spirit,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"

We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Romans passage declares we have to live the Law of Christ in our bodies to Gentiles who did not live a life of purity and sexual morality. We are called to respond to the dignity that God gives us. The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is life, worthy of what God called us to be and not a degraded life of pleasure and comfort.  Luke challenging because Jesus did not come to bring peace His message will create division in the world. A life of love will be rejected. No good deed goes unpunished. Very few Arrested? Enough evidence to convict? Friar Jude reflects on the daily struggle to live a Christian life, as the martyrdom of pinpricks, of St. Therese of Lisieux where love and care may be thought have one be a push over or weak by society.

Fr. Mike Schmitz begins to wrap up 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike directs our attention to how 2 Maccabees will tell the same story in a different way. In Sirach, we are encouraged to know our own hearts, so that we can know our strengths, weaknesses, and where we might need healing. The readings are 1 Maccabees 15, Sirach 36-37, and Proverbs 23:26-28. 

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Cassidy Hall who describes the solidarity she feels with other contemplatives who continue to explore new ways of understanding themselves, their lives, and God. Her quest led her to the wide and evolving lineage of Christian contemplation—from Thomas Merton’s writings to the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers, to the work of Dr. Barbara Holmes.

We come from all walks of life, cultures, and markers of identity. There is a unity in our uniqueness, and that common thread binds us together, allowing us to recognize each other…. As I learned from more diverse voices, I came to understand Christian contemplation as a living tradition. The word living insinuates an ongoing, even growing nature. Life necessitates space, breathing room, and an openness to change. That which is living cannot exist in a place of complete certitude—to do so would be to count it dead: not continuing, not evolving, not ever-becoming. In this way, contemplation is its own spiritual paradox, one of tradition and change, stillness and action. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the separation between the view of a world gifted to seekers by God for the full life of all and the disruptive decisions that bring destruction and conflict in the pursuit of personal privilege and power.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?49 

Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-community-of-seekers/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?19 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came to Cast Fire upon the Earth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Stein, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-23-2025 

Faith and Fire

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that the fire of Jesus' message may bring our practice of faith into conflict with the beliefs and actions of other people in our environment.

In a Cloud of Witnesses

The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah relates Jeremiah in the Muddy Cistern.

* [38:4] He is weakening the resolve: lit., “he weakens the hands.” One of the Lachish ostraca (cf. note on 34:7) makes the same claim against the princes in Jerusalem.

b. [38:4] Jer 26:11.

c. [38:6] Jer 37:14–15.

d. [38:9] Jer 52:6. (Jeremiah CHAPTER 38|USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 40 proclaims all who trust God will experience protection.

* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17). (Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews presents a great cloud of witnesses.

* [12:1–13] Christian life is to be inspired not only by the Old Testament men and women of faith (Heb 12:1) but above all by Jesus. As the architect of Christian faith, he had himself to endure the cross before receiving the glory of his triumph (Heb 12:2). Reflection on his sufferings should give his followers courage to continue the struggle, if necessary even to the shedding of blood (Heb 12:3–4). Christians should regard their own sufferings as the affectionate correction of the Lord, who loves them as a father loves his children.

* [12:1] That clings to us: the meaning is uncertain, since the Greek word euperistatos, translated cling, occurs only here. The papyrus P46 and one minuscule read euperispastos, “easily distracting,” which also makes good sense. (Hebrews, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke 12.49-53 presents Jesus as A Cause of Division.

* [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

* [12:50] Baptism: i.e., his death. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, comments on Fire, Baptism, and Division. Jesus is describing the result of his mission.  It brought division.

Jesus came to be baptized into the mystery that, in God’s Good News, death is the path to life.  He revealed that our baptism into his way of living is a baptism into his everlasting life.  This Good News is the font of our freedom for self-sacrificing love.

Jesus came to offer us light in the midst of darkness, that we might offer light for others.  He came to love and forgive us, so that we might bring healing and reconciliation. Jesus offers us his Spirit to accompany us and to gather us in his deepest prayer, 

Dear Lord, thank you for the grace to recenter my trust in your Word.  In the few opportunities which remain for me, give me the courage to preach your Good News, faithfully.  Fill the hearts of your people with the Joy of the Gospel.  Allow us to enter into dialogue with each other on a path of greater understanding and unity.  Enkindle within us the fire of your love and let us join you in renewing the face of the earth. (Alexander, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in the Holy Spirit,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:49-53 comments that at this point in his ministry, even before the agonizing events of Holy Week, Jesus experienced an intense distress of heart and mind. He so ardently wanted to set the earth on fire with his love, he so longed to accomplish redemption through the “baptism” of his passion and death, that he was in anguish until it was accomplished (Luke 12:50).

And it has been accomplished! The results of his baptism are still flowing today. This means that even today, you can experience more of all that Jesus so longed to give you—more mercy, more grace, more love, more freedom. So allow the passion that Jesus expresses in today’s passage move you to seek him out! Believe that as you receive his forgiveness and experience the joy of worshipping him, you are doing more than just reaping the fruit of his passion. You are bringing consolation and joy to his anguished Sacred Heart.

Jesus’ pierced heart yearns for every person he created. Allow that passion to capture your heart!

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so deeply! I want to receive all the mercy you died to give me!” (Meditation on Luke 12:49-53, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of today. Jeremiah is trapped in a plot to kill him in the time before the Babylonian Exile. People felt he was to betray them in his warning about the enemy, A foreigner wanted to rescue him but the people wanted to blame Jeremiah. The cloud of witnesses in Hebrews indicates that  we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus at a time of persecution. We should give witness whatever the cost. The Gospel proclaims Jesus' mission of creating a fire of enthusiasm and courage to give witness even when it is dangerous. Friar Jude reminds us that others may reject our message and person citing "martyrdom of pinpricks," of St Therese of Liseau. 

Fr Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that naming any emotion, even if it is negative, as a “sin” is not useful, because guilt and shame, or any sense that “God is upset” with us, usually only increases our negativity and fear—which causes us to close down all the more. In other words, when we try to shut them down, our emotions become more complex, more conflicted, more repressed—and thus less honest “reflections” of reality. If an emotion does not help us read the situation better and more truthfully, we must release it, let it move through us—for our own advantage. 

Most of us are naturally good at attachment, but few of us have training in detachment or letting go. Practicing detachment is one of the great tasks of any healthy spirituality, but, when carried to extreme, it’s counterproductive. (It almost took over in much of early Christianity, which was not helpful.) We must take the risk of legitimate attachment (fully feeling the emotion), learn its important message, and then have the presence and purpose to detach from that fascinating emotion after it has done its work. This is the gift and power of an emotionally mature person. [1] 

To be truly conscious, we must step back from our compulsive identification with our unquestioned attachment to our isolated selves—the primary illusion. Pure consciousness is never just me, trapped inside my self. Rather, it is an observing of “me” from a distance—from the viewing platform kindly offered by God (see Romans 8:16), which we call the Indwelling Spirit. Then we see with eyes much larger and other than our own. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit in our proclamation of the fire of love we experience in our relationship with Christ that empowers our faith.

References

Alexander, A. (2025, August 17). Daily Reflection August 17, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-17-2025 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/12?1 

Jeremiah CHAPTER 38|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Reading. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/Jeremiah/38?4 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?49 

Meditation on Luke 12:49-53. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/08/17/1357646/ 

Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Welcoming but Not Clinging. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/welcoming-but-not-clinging/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came to Cast Fire upon the Earth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug17