Coffee With God

Reflection: Matthew 23: 1-12

Today’s Gospel is a direct gibe at all those who do a lot to “blah, blah, blah” with the Word of God but then forget to put into practice what they preach. Jesus harshly criticizes scribes and Pharisees – He was harsh on those who used God and religion for their own advantages and prestige. The disciples of Jesus are called to be people of few words but with more of action. The famous advice of Saint Francis of Assisi, when he sent two of his friars to evangelize the Muslims who were then occupying the Holy Land is worth recalling: “Always preach the Gospel, use words when necessary”. Evangelisation does not necessarily mean talking a lot, preaching a doctrine. The Pharisees and the scribes proclaimed themselves as official interpreters of the Thora – the Law of Moses; they interpreted what was good and bad. But Jesus criticises them for their acts of public performances of piety to impress the crowd. The Word of God is a reminder to us, especially to those in authority in the Church to avoid public display of fasting and penance and kneeling and praying many prayers in front of everyone while our behaviour and relationship with people do not correspond to this external show of spirituality. It is appropriate that all of us who have any authority in the Church, read this passage carefully and review our lives. Let us not fall among the category of those who roll unbearable burdens on others and then we do not move a finger to help.” Pope Francis, commenting on the gospel passage says, “A common mistake of those in civil or ecclesiastical authority is that of demanding people to do things — even righteous things — that they fail to practise in the first person. They live a double life. This sets a bad example of authority. Authority is a help, but if it is wrongly exercised, it becomes oppressive; it does not allow people to grow, and creates a climate of distrust and hostility, and also leads to corruption. “We disciples of Jesus must not seek titles of honour, of authority or supremacy. We must not consider ourselves superior to others; modesty is essential for an existence that seeks to conform to the teaching of Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart and came not to be served but to serve.”