First Reading - Galatians 5:18-25
Gospel - Luke 11:42-46
As humans, we are finite and prone to errors. The committed give us chance to evaluate the paths we have chosen. Having analysed the mistakes, we can still begin afresh. This too is possible in our spiritual life. We commit sins due to our inclinations or weaknesses but God in His goodness gives us chance to return to Him and begin our journey afresh. The readings of today invite us to look into our spiritual life and if gone astray from God then exhorts us to return to Him in repentance.
The first reading lists out the 'works of flesh' and the 'works of spirit'. Paul reminds the Christians that works of flesh and works of spirit are both evident in our actions. The person who is motivated by the works of flesh indulges himself into sins whereas the person motivated by the works of virtues is prompted to act according to the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. Hence, Paul also urges the listeners and readers to be motivated and charged by the guidance or prompting of the Spirit.
In today’s text, taken from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus expresses moral indignation and sorrow at the hypocrisy of the scribes and the Pharisees who have put obstacles between the common people and God by overburdening them with unnecessary, impractical, and seemingly limitless interpretations of Mosaic laws. In today’s text, Jesus labeled three accusations against these religious leaders, naming particular misbehaviors: 1) They had misinterpreted the spirit of the Law, making the Law a heavy burden for the God-fearing common people. Jesus gave the Law of tithing as an example. God intended tithing for His people as an expression of their gratitude to a providing God as is mentioned in the Books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus. The scribes instructed the people to pay tithes on insignificant things, such as kitchen-garden plants, with great mathematical accuracy, but they themselves neglected justice and love of God in their private lives. 2) The second accusation was that the scribes and the Pharisees were notorious for their status-seeking. They demanded that the common people give them special honors because of their expertise in Mosaic Law and faithful religious observance. As a mark of respect, they were to be given front seats in the synagogue and public greeting in the streets. 3) Jesus compared the scribes and Pharisees to the white-washed tombs on the sides of the road leading to Jerusalem. In preparation for the three major Jewish feasts, Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, the scribes and Pharisees used to have the tombs whitewashed, so that the pilgrims would not be ritually defiled by unknowingly stepping on one. Jesus accused the Pharisees of moral filth, of hiding injustice and immorality inside themselves, and of covering the corruption with pretensions of piety and religious fervor. Thus, they contaminated others with their rotten and dangerous ideas of God’s demands.
Dear friends, we know about the mercy of God which is overwhelming but there is also judgement of God which is unavoidable. Jesus condemns the Pharisees and Scribes because he wanted them to realise the deviated path they had chosen to guide and lead people. He wanted that they should lead people according to the will of God in His justice and love. However, the condemnation is to be considered as a reminder for them to return to God or return to God's will.
We are also invited today not to get stuck in our spiritual journey by our weaknesses and failures but there is always a room to return to God in repentance. The Church gives us opportunity to return to God and appropriate His mercy in the Sacrament of Confession and also the Eucharist. Our stubbornness in sin can only test the mercy of God and eventually face the wrath of God which will be tragic. Let's never miss the chance to appropriate the mercy of God.
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