Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus’ association of the scribes and Pharisees with “whitewashed tombs” constitutes a severe criticism. He is saying that their apparent virtue only masquerades spiritual rot. He claims that the scribes and Pharisees are hypocrites of a major order. Their crimes have been detailed throughout the gospel. They tie excessive burdens on the poor by a narrow interpretation of the law. They seek the adulation of the masses but lack righteousness. They persecute him for curing the sick by saying that he is in league with the devil.
We should remember that not all the scribes and Pharisees were evil. Indeed, the Pharisaical movement saved the Jewish faith after the destruction of the Temple. Nevertheless, they badgered Jesus and were especially severe in persecuting his followers later in the first century. More importantly, however, we must take care that we do not turn hypocritical like the Pharisees in the gospels. We should strive to be understanding of others’ faults, always ready to help others live virtuous lives.
