Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 49; Mt 23, 1-12
The scribes and the Pharisees were criticized heavily by Jesus, not because they preached false teachings, but that they did not practice the good things they were preaching.
It would be tough to follow a teaching that is given by one who does not practice what he preaches. This would be the case of a parent who is against his children’s drinking alcohol but who is an alcoholic himself or of a priest who gives nice sermons about love and understanding but who is unloving and unforgiving himself.
When a teaching is given by one who practices what he preaches, the command will be easy to follow because of the preacher’s good example. Action speaks louder than voice. A good model is always the best teacher.
He who does not observe what he preaches (like the scribes and the Pharisees) is laying a heavy burden on others. He who lives what he teaches (like our Lord) gives a yoke that is light and easy to carry.
At the time of final reckoning, God will judge us not by the nice words that we say but by the good works that we do: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). The practice is what counts. As Jesus himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven” (Mt 7:21).
The scribes and the Pharisees enjoyed their status as religious teachers or spiritual fathers, but their negative attitudes and dispositions made them impotent of nourishing the spiritual life of their people. Strictly speaking, it is God who really fathers and teaches. Henceforth, even if people address us with such titles as “teacher” or “father”, we should not exert effort to be called so. We rather made sure that our words and actions will give justice to these honorific titles given us.
The desire for respect is common to all people. He who thinks that such desire does not preoccupy him is worst than the scribes and the Pharisees. Nowadays, it is customary to assign honors of title and respect in order to acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of people. The giving of honors, titles, and banquets are our way of celebrating the good deeds of others. Does Jesus absolutely discourage this kind of practice? Not necessarily so. What is important is for us to understand clearly the Lord’s definition of greatness in the Kingdom of God. “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:11). May we learn to honor only those who give themselves unselfishly for the service of the entire Body of Christ!
The scribes and the Pharisees were criticized heavily by Jesus, not because they preached false teachings, but that they did not practice the good things they were preaching.
It would be tough to follow a teaching that is given by one who does not practice what he preaches. This would be the case of a parent who is against his children’s drinking alcohol but who is an alcoholic himself or of a priest who gives nice sermons about love and understanding but who is unloving and unforgiving himself.
When a teaching is given by one who practices what he preaches, the command will be easy to follow because of the preacher’s good example. Action speaks louder than voice. A good model is always the best teacher.
He who does not observe what he preaches (like the scribes and the Pharisees) is laying a heavy burden on others. He who lives what he teaches (like our Lord) gives a yoke that is light and easy to carry.
At the time of final reckoning, God will judge us not by the nice words that we say but by the good works that we do: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). The practice is what counts. As Jesus himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven” (Mt 7:21).
The scribes and the Pharisees enjoyed their status as religious teachers or spiritual fathers, but their negative attitudes and dispositions made them impotent of nourishing the spiritual life of their people. Strictly speaking, it is God who really fathers and teaches. Henceforth, even if people address us with such titles as “teacher” or “father”, we should not exert effort to be called so. We rather made sure that our words and actions will give justice to these honorific titles given us.
The desire for respect is common to all people. He who thinks that such desire does not preoccupy him is worst than the scribes and the Pharisees. Nowadays, it is customary to assign honors of title and respect in order to acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of people. The giving of honors, titles, and banquets are our way of celebrating the good deeds of others. Does Jesus absolutely discourage this kind of practice? Not necessarily so. What is important is for us to understand clearly the Lord’s definition of greatness in the Kingdom of God. “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Mt 23:11). May we learn to honor only those who give themselves unselfishly for the service of the entire Body of Christ!
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