Be Challenged

By John Desing csc –

Readings: Rom 3: 21-30; Lk 11: 47-54

The readings of today focus on the significance of having true and genuine knowledge of the Scriptures or the word of God. How can we understand the true implications of the word of God in our lives? Many times, we find people or even ourselves good at interpreting the word of God in ways that fit our feelings and emotions without paying enough attention to the Spirit that helps us truly grasp the message it conveys.

The lawyers and Pharisees in today’s reading appeared to be extremely good and exemplary because they were well-versed with scriptures and followed the laws strictly, but their hearts and mind were filled with filthy thoughts and judgmental attitudes which made Jesus label them as ‘cursed ones or malediction’.

Similarly, St. Paul challenges us that the righteousness of God is manifested not just through the law but beyond the scriptures and the Church leaders to anyone who believes in him. One is justified not just by good works but through faith and charity. Jesus challenges the Pharisees and Scribes by pointing out not just their hypocrisy but the mistake of their ancestors. Their knowledge of the scriptures did not make them better human beings, instead they fooled themselves.

Likewise, our lives as Christians are not far from that of the Pharisees if we do not follow the word of God in both letter and spirit. Therefore, we need to acquire genuine knowledge of the gospel that can transform our inner self into the image of Christ in whom we have been created.

Only when we are challenged, we grow. The Pharisees failed to grow because they did not accept the prophetic message of Christ challenging them to change.