Shanborlang Mawrie csc –
Readings: 2Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Mt 23:23-26
Jesus uses strong words against Scribes and Pharisees: “Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.” What makes Jesus to say this? What does it mean to me? When I introspect, I find that my way of living is no different from that of Pharisees and the Scribes because I give more importance to the images or the outside appearance and I am tempted to go with the external beauty of the cup than what it is inside.
Jesus does not mind the religiosity of the Scribes and Pharisees. He wants them to go beyond mere observance of the law and cultivate the essential aspects of the kingdom values like love, care, mercy, fidelity, etc.
In the same way, Jesus wants from me as a Christian and a religious to observe the laws and regulations which would help me to lead a righteous and just life. Sometimes we become the hands and feet of God to others who are in need of us.
Sometimes we become a burden to the common people who are praying and waiting for us. Therefore, Jesus invites me to examine my everyday life and ask this question: Is my religious life a loving response to a loving God or am I a religious who is only meant for rules and rituals?
St Paul reminds us that we are called to remain faithful to the Lord in whatever we do, and with hope to share in the glory of God. Therefore, I pray for the grace that I may be a single-minded person who loves God by following the laws and rituals without forgetting the needs of the poor and the marginalized in the society and continue to love my neighbour as myself.