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     The first and third scriptures for today speak to religious leadership.  Malachi takes aim at the priests in the temple.  Jesus takes aim at the scribes and Pharisees.  It is important to note that the scribes and Pharisees were not priests but laypersons.  The scribes were experts in interpreting the Mosaic law.  The Pharisees were zealous laypersons who believed in meticulous observance of that law, especially as found in the Torah, the first five books of what we call the Old Testament.  However, as in all things human, even religious leaders can become tempted to "game the system" and use it for their own benefit.  The twenty-third chapter of the Gospel According to Matthew is a ringing condemnation of the way this was happening in Jesus' time and possibly after as well.  Malachi goes back much further to the post-exilic temple experiences.  A good contrast is found in the second scripture where St. Paul calls attention to his ministry in the Thessalonian community where he worked side by side with them.

     Not long ago, Pope Francis used the customary pre-Christmas audience for Vatican administrators to outline what he considered to be trouble spots in the "system."  He reminded them of the dangers of "career-ism" and power hunger.  They are meant to serve and not to rule.  He has continued this theme throughout his papacy with the now famous image of pastors having "the smell of the sheep."  Needless to say, this has earned him the enmity of some who prefer the "Church Triumphant."  But the problems are not just with clerical ambition and power.  They enter into all church activity whether it be by ordained or non-ordained ministers.  Jesus' last words in today's gospel should be on the wall of all church offices: "The greatest among you must be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  AMEN