Word to the Wise
Saturday, August 20, 2022 - Saturday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Ezek 43:1-7ab and Matt 23:1-12]"The scribes and 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. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen." [Matthew]
AUGUST 20 ST. BERNARD, abbot and doctor of the church
The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' time and, no doubt, in the time of the evangelist Matthew, were the subject of severe criticism for their abuse of power. Jesus acknowledges their role as teachers and leaders but takes them to task for abusing their role. Almost the entirety of chapter 23 is given to a scathing denunciation: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees!!"
Unfortunately, the problem was not confined to the New Testament Jewish leadership. It can be a problem in any organization, but in one dealing with ultimate things like religious faith, the problem can be dire. The sex abuse crisis in the Catholic clergy world-wide is, in no small part, traceable to something that Pope Francis has repeatedly denounced: clericalism. But even when the matter is not something as terrible as sexual abuse, there are other forms of abuse cloaked in formal behavior. When clergy take advantage of their position in the church to "lay burdens on people's shoulders," or satisfy their own wants, the results are terrible. Status brings responsibility and stewardship. I wish every church leader, whether lay or clergy, would read chapter 23 of Matthew and ask, "Is it I, Lord?"
Pastors face tremendous challenges in meeting the many needs of parochial life. I have given retreats for priests from one end of this country to the next and am impressed with the dedication and faith of the vast majority of them. But even the best must battle with the "perks of power" and can find themselves guilty of the abuses Jesus denounces. A healthy clergy needs a healthy laity to hold one another accountable. Each is the steward of the other for a healthy church. AMEN
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