Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

 In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus wages a war on hypocrisy.  He emphasized it in the Sermon on the Mount where he warned his disciples not to fast, pray, or give alms for show.  In today’s passage he critiques the Pharisees for not practicing what they preach, a sign of hypocrisy. 

Then Jesus tells his disciples that they are brothers and sisters to one another.  As such, no is to assume greater respect or honor than anyone else.  He becomes specific when he says that they are not to call one another, “Rabbi,” “teacher,” “master,” or “father.”  These titles are used among the Pharisees to covet honor. 

We in the Church have not taken Jesus literally here.  Teachers inside the Church abound.  Priests are almost universally called “Father.”  Because these transgressions have a long tradition and often give comfort to those who seek spiritual wisdom, they may be readily forgiven.  But clericalism – the pretension that priests are better and more deserving of honor than lay persons – remains a tragic sin.  It is tragic because Orders is a sacrament of service, not of domination.  It is a sin because it subverts the unity Jesus intends among his disciples.

 

Tuesday, Februray 27, 2024

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

Being “full of themselves” is a young person’s trait.  Often pampered as children, adolescents can think mostly about themselves.  However, as they grow up, people should realize that the world does not revolve around themselves, and that craving attention offends both God and community.  Such a sin characterizes the Pharisees in Jesus’ account to his disciples in today’s gospel.

The Pharisees’ teaching is not found wanting, but their pride reaches much beyond self-worth.  They are so absorbed with their own virtue that they cannot see their vices.  It is as if pride puffed their faces so that they cannot see how they affect others.  Jesus tells his disciples to guard themselves against such self-deception by being modest in their presentation of self.

Often church-going people find fault in others but can’t recognize their own sins.  It is pathetic because their very sin keeps them from repenting.  We must pray for them and for ourselves that we do not become victims of our own pride.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Malachi 1:4-2:2.8-10; I Thessalonians 2:7-9.13; Matthew 23:1-12)

This gospel has some phrases that surprise us. Is it true that Jesus does not want us to call anyone “father,” not even our male parent? Could it be that we have to invent other titles for our teachers? Because they are commands from the Lord, we must investigate them seriously.

We know that in other contexts Jesus speaks with exaggerated language. He does not want to deceive us but to emphasize the importance of our attention to the matter at hand. In the Gospel of Luke Jesus tells his disciples that they have to hate their father, mother, children, etc. Experts assure us that he had no intention for us to hate our loved ones, but rather to always put him first. In this Gospel of Matthew Jesus commands, “'If then your hand or your foot causes you sin, cut it off and throw it away.'” He surely didn’t want us to hurt ourselves. He only desired that we do not sin. As an effective preacher that he was, Jesus used stinging language.

However, the Protestant reformers evidently thought otherwise. Martin Luther considered it all right to call a man “father” as long as it does not interfere with the glory of God. Due to the practice of calling his ministers “reverends” or “pastors”, it can be assumed that he meant that priests should not be called “fathers”. There are some Protestants and sometimes Catholics too who still refuse to call Catholic priests “fathers.” They are not necessarily being disrespectful. Perhaps they love the Lord so much that they take every word of him literally. However, a literal understanding is not always the best possible interpretation of Scripture.

Because the practice goes against the evangelical mandate, Catholic theologians have reflected deeply on the issue. They note how Paul in one of his letters calls himself “father” (I Cor 4:14-15) of the community he converted. Furthermore, Paul throughout his letters refers to his spiritual children. The ancient Church became accustomed to calling bishops “father.” St. Benedict designated the title not only to leaders of his communities (abbot is a form of father) but also to confessors. The reason he gave was that they are guardians of souls. For the same reason the Dominican and Franciscan friars were named “fathers” and in time all priests.

In the gospel Jesus gives a strong criticism of the Pharisees and scribes who exalt their importance in the eyes of the people. According to Jesus they wear pretentious clothing, occupy prominent positions in public, and show satisfaction when others greet them as “teachers.” Jesus' purpose is more than denouncing Jewish leadership. Above all, he wants to warn his disciples not to act like this in the Church he is founding.

Pope Francis with the synod on synodality laid the foundation for the Church to conform more to this purpose of Jesus. He sat the laity with the hierarchs at round tables to emphasize the need to seriously listen to each other's motives and perspectives. He allowed everyone to vote to reveal the group's true thinking on the issues. He is not going to remove the governance of the Church from the bishops. But he is going to facilitate a better-informed governance.

It is evident that the tendency to dominate others lies deep in the human heart. Jesus came to eradicate it. We need His grace to love one another as brothers and sisters.  This grace is at work when we engage with others in the Church – pastors as well as laypersons -- in conversations that are honest and respectful.

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

 Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

Yesterday’s gospel emphasized mercy.  Today’s stresses humility.  And tomorrow’s will highlight service.  It seems that during this second week of Lent the Church means to prepare its people for ministry. 

Moralist Fr. Richard Gula has written that humility is hard to understand, much less to cultivate.  Why be humble?  Are not those who promote themselves rewarded?  Gula believes that the humble will foster cooperation among a group to successfully complete a common task.  In baseball, for example, recruiters no longer pay exclusive attention either to homerun hitters or to those with the highest batting averages.  What they increasingly want are players who produce runs for their team.  They may do it with a hit, a walk, being hit by a pitched ball, or even by striking out on a wild pitch.

We don’t have to be introverted or sad to be humble.  We just have to recognize that the world, the community, or the team does not revolve around us.  We also have to recognize the contributions of everyone to the common good.  In the end humility will move us to admit our faults as well as our virtues and to ask God’s mercy.  Then humility will become a source of our salvation.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus wages a war on hypocrisy.  He emphasizes it in the Sermon on the Mount.  There he warns his disciples not to fast, pray, or give alms for show.  In today’s passage he critiques the Pharisees for not practicing what they preach. 

Then Jesus tells his disciples that they are brothers and sisters to on another.  As such, he does not want anyone to assume greater respect or honor than anyone else.  He becomes specific in what this means.  They are not to call one another, “Rabbi,” “teacher,” “master,” or “father.”  These titles are used among the Pharisees to covet honor. 

We in the Church have not taken Jesus literally in this command.  Teachers inside the Church abound.  Priests are almost universally called “Father.”  The transgressions on the part of the people may be readily forgiven.  They have a long tradition and often give comfort to those who seek spiritual wisdom.  But clericalism – the pretension that priests are better and more deserving of honor than lay persons – is a tragic sin.  It is tragic because Orders is a sacrament of service, not of domination.  It is a sin because it subverts the unity Jesus intends among his disciples.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

People today want to be “cool.”  That is, they want to be noticed.  Even if being cool means committing an injustice, they want to be known as someone that matters.  This warped desire conflicts directly with Jesus teaching in today’s gospel.

Jesus is giving instructions to his followers and to Jewish peasants.  He admonishes the former to avoid the hierarchies of the Jewish leaders who vaunt themselves with titles.  He consoles the humble who feel the onus of those same leaders’ laws.  To both groups he recommends service without self-seeking.  He promises them a due reward in their common Father’s Kingdom.

We should be questioning our motives as part of our Lenten examination of conscience.  Do we act to serve others or are our actions motivated by the desire to be looked up to?  Alternatively, do our actions cause others to give thanks to God or do they make their lives more difficult? Now is the time to rectify both motives and deeds.  As Isaiah says, though our offenses be as odious as blood on snow, they may become as pure as lamb’s wool.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

Abraham Lincoln was once accused of being two-faced.  He confronted the detraction by telling his audience: “If I had another face, do you think I would be seen wearing with this one?”  Calling another two-faced is a way of criticizing her as duplicitous.  Jesus is implying this criticism of the Pharisees in today’s gospel.  His evaluation has stuck.  Today being pharisaical means being duplicitous.

But the Pharisees were not necessarily bad people.  In fact, Paul says with pride that he was once a Pharisee.  They were men intent on living the precepts of the Law.  However, some Pharisees in Jesus’ day were more intent on being seen as living the Law than actually doing it.  Some of these accused Jesus of not obeying the Law while he was the one who lived it most implicitly.  He made no show of being merciful and pious but dedicated himself to the ways of God to the point of death.

In today’s passage Jesus exhorts us, his disciples, to follow his ways and not those of corrupted Pharisees.  He wants us to be coherent in what we do.  If we profess to love others, then we should be willing to help them.  If we mean to teach our children what is right, then we must act righteously.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

Gordon Cosby died last year.  He was the pastor of the Church of the Savior in Washington, D.C. for many, many years.  It has been said that Gordon never wrote a book, talked with a President, or traveled around the country preaching.  But he enabled other people to do so by his wisdom, faithfulness, and pastoral care.  Gordon never wanted to be called “Reverend” and told people who want to apply the title to him to just say “Gordon.” Certainly Gordon Cosby typifies the kind of community member that Jesus has in mind in today’s gospel.

Jesus’ words may challenge traditional concepts of Church authority.  He seems to be calling for an egalitarianism that only groups such as the Quakers have in their assemblies.  But throughout the Gospel of Matthew Jesus maintains a role of leadership for his twelve apostles.  What today’s passage means then is that the apostles and their successors should be first in service of others, not first in line for privilege.  Like Pope Francis they are to spend themselves building up the People of God.

Jesus’ commands apply to all members of the Church.  We are to serve one another in love.  There should be no pretentiousness among us, but we should look at one another and see Jesus.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

“Power tends to corrupt,” Lord Dahlberg-Acton wrote to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887, “and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Acton wasn’t condemning the possession of power since it is necessary to bring about anything that is worthwhile. But he was cautioning his friend that having power entails responsibility because it could as easily be used for evil as for good.

In the gospel Jesus comments on the abuse of power by the scribes and Pharisees. He criticizes their way of exploiting the prestige – a kind of power -- they have for purposes of self-aggrandizement. He then forbids all titles of prestige among his followers.

The question is frequently asked, “If Jesus prohibits the titles of ‘father’ and ‘Master’ (teacher) and ‘Rabbi,’ then why have at least the first two terms been used in the Church for centuries?” Although an argument may be made in defense of the titles by examining the context of the gospel passage, it seems most honest to say that the Church, the ultimate interpreter of Scripture, determined early on that she would not insist upon a literal following of Jesus’ words here. The case is like the Church’s acceptance of oaths even though Jesus specifically prohibits them (Matthew 5:34-37). The Church believes that the title of “father,” used out of respect for the training, dedication, and experience of priests, is legitimate. The Church also holds that priests, like worthy fathers of families, should serve their people tirelessly, selflessly, and judiciously.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

Yesterday’s gospel emphasized mercy. Today’s stresses humility. And tomorrow’s will highlight service. It seems that during this second week of Lent the Church means to prepare its people for ministry.

Moralist Fr. Richard Gula says that humility is hard to understand, much less to cultivate. Why be humble? Are not those who promote themselves rewarded? Gula believes that the humble will foster cooperation among a group to successfully complete a common task. In baseball, for example, recruiters no longer pay exclusive attention neither to homerun hitters nor to those with the highest batting averages. What they increasingly want are players who will get on base be it with a hit, a walk, being hit by a pitched ball, or even by striking out on a wild pitch.

We don’t have to be introverted or sad to be humble. We just have to recognize that the world, the community, or the team does not revolve around us. Everyone is important and deserves recognition. In the end humility will move us to recognize our faults before God and to ask for His mercy.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

(Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12)

“Power tends to corrupt,” Lord Dahlberg-Acton wrote to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887, “and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Acton wasn’t condemning the possession of power since it is necessary to bring about anything that is worthwhile. But he was cautioning his friend that having power entails responsibility because it could as easily be used for evil as for good.

In the gospel Jesus comments on the abuse of power by the scribes and Pharisees. He criticizes their way of exploiting the prestige – a kind of power -- they have for purposes of self-aggrandizement. He then forbids all titles of prestige among his followers.

The question is frequently asked, “If Jesus prohibits the titles of ‘father’ and ‘Master’ and ‘Rabbi,’ then why have at least the first two terms been used in the Church for centuries?” Although an argument may be made in defense of the titles by examining the context of the gospel passage, it seems most honest to say that the Church, the ultimate interpreter of Scripture, determined early on that she would not insist upon a literal following of Jesus’ words here. The case is like the Church’s acceptance of oaths even though Jesus specifically prohibits them (Matthew 5:34-37). The Church believes that the title of “father,” used out of respect for the training, dedication, and experience of priests, is legitimate. However, she also holds priests accountable for living up to the title by judiciously carrying out their responsibilities.

Homilette for February 19, 2008

Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

(Matthew 23:1-12)

The gospel today should hit us church-goers between the eyes. Jesus is criticizing the Pharisees, the religious zealots who give religion a bad name. They are pompous about practicing religion, but are hardly charitable toward other people. The passage implicitly asks us if we may not be women and men of the Pharisees. Do we like to be seen in church but afterwards gossip about people? Do we pray at home but then express intolerance for other races and religions? If so, we would be among the biggest of sinners in Jesus’ book.

Of course, not all people who come to church are Pharisees – far from it. But at times someone calls the rectory demanding an apology for something as small as a mass intention that he had requested not being announced publicly. Certainly priests can be among the greatest of the Pharisees. The scandal over sexual abuse of children and adolescents testifies amply to that. When we find Pharisaical tendencies in our behavior, we must seek God’s assistance in prayer. We should also keep in mind Jesus’ constant teaching about humility. The ones who exalt themselves God will humble while those who act humbly, God will exalt.