Word to the Wise
Saturday, August 25, 2007 - Twentieth Saturday in Ordinary Time
[Ruth 2:1-3; 8-11; 4:13-17 and Matthew 23:1-12]The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.
Throughout the Gospel of Matthew Jesus condemns hypocrisy in religious authority. That same hypocrisy has been a favorite theme of art, literature and music and certainly of news media throughout the centuries! In Jesus' time, it was manifested in the way that acknowledged religious authority manipulated the "system" to favor their personal or corporate interests, especially at the expense of vulnerable members of society: widows, orphans, etc. Further, they interpreted their position as one of power rather than service. I am sure that we have all had some experience of these faults at some point or another in our lives. It is one thing to struggle with a demand of the gospel and still preach the importance of responding to that demand. It is entirely another to proclaim oneself an observer when one is not and require others to be observers. The latter is hypocrisy, the former is an honest recognition of struggle that results in a mixed record! In religious authorities, the existence of struggle is certainly known to the individual who is in authority, but it is often hidden, lest the faithful be scandalized. The result is isolation and eventual disastrous revelation. On the other hand, unrealistic expectations on the part of folks in the pew can put stress and pressure of extreme degree on a pastor. The inevitable failure to meet those expectations results not only in unfair criticism but possible unnecessary loss of a good pastor. Loss of integrity in religious authority has terrible consequences. Healthy accountability and support between shepherd and flock can mean a profound realization of the gospel relationship between Christ and Church and be almost a sacrament in itself! AMEN
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