PRI Reflections on Scripture | Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent

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

As clearly as Jesus points out the faults, the weaknesses, the disappointments that he has in the scribes and Pharisees. He wants to make a point about the office of being a leader, a Pharisee, a pastor, a bishop, a cardinal, a pope, whatever it is, there's something about that office that everyone should respect. But the same time the real issue for Jesus is who are they in that position?

What is their focus? If their focus is themselves, their a great disappointment to God. But if their intent on service, then there's the perfect combination. The office, the authority, and the teaching is at the heart of Jesus to be in service to one another.

Closing Prayer

Father, for all of us you have some position we all do in some way. That we never lean on that in a way that keeps us from understanding the core role of this life that we all share. Filled with divine wisdom and divine power. But it's always about service. It's always about the other. It's always about the call to be like the Christ. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross