The Sunday Gospel [October 30, 2011]
Matthew 23: 1-12
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,7greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.10Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah.11The greatest among you must be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Reflection
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” ~ Jesus in v. 12
Today’s readings invite us to examine our thoughts and behavior. Are there groups of people we look down upon? Perhaps people from a different social or economic background. Maybe we look suspiciously at people who follow a different religion or who have different political convictions. Of course, we should hold on to the truth as God has revealed it, but we should also treat everyone with utmost respect. If Jesus valued them enough to die for them, shouldn’t we treat them – and everyone we meet – with honor?
Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarro-abel.blogspot.com/).
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