By William Selvaraj csc –
Readings: Is 1: 10, 16-20; Mt 23: 1-12
The gospel passage of the day portrays the attitudes and behaviours of the scribes and Pharisees. They liked admiration and recognition by people in public. By looking at their attitudes and behaviours, let us examine ourselves.
Did you ever feel that you are not recognized in public? We are fragile human beings who desire and expect appreciation in common places by the public.
For instance, the best singer in the parish or seminary may expect public recognition, especially on special occasions. A good teacher or student may expect the best teacher or student award on the annual day.
Today, Jesus cautions us not to have that kind of mentality. My dad used to give me some money to put in the offertory box on Sunday Mass saying, what your right hand does, left hand should not know. Those days as a child I did not understand what he meant, but now I am able to grasp its real meaning: I should be generous in extending my helping hand to others without expecting anything in return or seeking public recognition.
Jesus also invites me to walk the talk. What I preach I should practice; and what I practice should be preached. There should be congruence in whatever activity I do. The moment I get influenced by the attitude of scribes or the Pharisees; I may become one of them like some of the current day politicians who do things for the sake of publicity, name, and fame in society. I should do those things which are pleasing to our Father, who is in heaven by imbibing the values and qualities of our only instructor, Lord Jesus Christ.
So, let us pray to God to touch our hearts and change us from our selfish ways to live a life of a generous selfless servant of God with deep humility and simplicity.