I am having trouble tying the readings together this morning. I think that God is asking through Isaiah (IS 1:10, 16-20) and through Jesus’s teaching in Mathew’s Gospel (MT 23:1-12) to think about our actions. Are we using our power to mislead or manipulate others who look up to us? We are asked in the first reading to “Come now, let us set things right”. To be an appropriate example.
I find it interesting in the Gospel that Jesus makes what seems to be a strange statement about fathers. Jesus says, “Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” This is a confusing statement to me. Logically, we all have what humans have termed a father otherwise we would not be here. But I think Jesus is telling us do not get locked into roles of someone always being right. Jesus is telling us that kids can be the example to their parents.
The people of Israel had gotten locked into believing their leaders were always right and they suffered because of it. Jesus warned his disciples not to follow the example of the Pharisees, He says they are do as I say not as I do kind of leaders. Because the people of Israel blindly followed them they endured much suffering. Jesus makes this clear by saying “They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.”
Why did the Pharisee’s actions make Jesus so mad? I think it’s because they did it in God’s name. They used their knowledge of God and His word to extort wealth and favors from the people. Jesus tells us “The greatest among you must be your servant.” A good servant consistently does what they are asked with little fanfare or recognition. You do not see them but you see the results of their work. That is what Jesus is asking us to be.
I think I hear God telling me to clean up my act. Do not look for recognition but consistently do what is right. Be on the lookout for and follow the example of others who are doing it right even if they are my kids. The reward will be the response from the Psalms (50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21 AND 23) “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.“
GVW4U 