RBWords

     Today's gospel scripture comes from chapter 23 of the Gospel of Matthew which is almost entirely given over to severe criticism of the religious leadership in Jerusalem.  Jesus does not question their role of leadership - scribes and  Pharisees - but he very definitely questions their motives and sincerity!  He accuses them of hypocrisy and self-advancement.  "For they preach but they do not practice."  "All their works are performed to be seen."  "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."  The whole chapter is dripping with accusation.

     Last December, just before Christmas, when the cardinals in charge of most of the Vatican bureaucracy gathered to hear the pope's annual address to them, they presumed that it would be a review of their accomplishments, etc..  What they got was a firm and direct warning about all the problems Jesus found with the religious leadership of his time.  Pope Francis did not mince words and gave a list of things for them to use in examining their consciences!  I don't think they will ever forget it!  Perhaps some were thinking, "Who elected him?"  

     No one enjoys being humiliated or having one's motives and sincerity questioned.  From my own experience, I would say the way to avoid this on one level is to avoid being put in a position of leadership, or trying to attract public admiration!  However I recommend reading chapter 23 of Matthew not to see what one might accuse the cardinals or bishops or pstors of, but for one's own conscience.  Lent is a time to "purify" our motives and sincerity in regard to living Christian life.  Jesus can be a firm and demanding teacher as well as a compassionate healer and preacher.  We can't have one without the other.  AMEN