Reflections on Scripture | Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
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.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection

What Jesus is pointing out is something about our human nature. Give a person a position of authority over people and something slowly begins to take over. Instead of being there for them, they create a life that is feeding them. So what God is consistently teaching us, is the key is to know that there is a mode in which we are to live in this world, and it's not seeking to be served, but to serve.

Closing Prayer

Father, you are our model. You are a human being filled with such power. The divinity of God shown through you. And never did you use it as a way of having power over people, but always longed to empower us. Help us to be like you. Help us to be people who care deeply and long to serve the needs they see. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross