26 August, 2023 | Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mt 23: 1-12

Mt 23: 1-12

23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi[b] by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Reflections:

The Gospel highlights Jesus’ condemnation of the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, greed and self-righteousness. We live in a society and we like to be acknowledged, respected and honored. We seem to want approval of others. Through the Gospel Jesus invites to examine our ways of living and correct our negative ways. Instead of putting up a show before others we are called to humble ourselves and make effort to change our ways, so that our ways may be other-centered rather than self-centered.  

Activity: 

Take note of any inclination to control others and pray for the grace to change it.