Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (25th August, 2018) on the
Gospel
(B.V.M. on Saturday. Opt. Mem)
Ezek 43:1-7;
Ps 84:9-14. (R. cf. v. 10);
Matt 23:1-12.
Topic: Between duty and honour.
Jesus urged His listeners to do and to follow what the
scribes and the Pharisees taught because they occupied Moses’ seat. However,
they should not follow their example because they did not practice what they taught.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make
their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of
honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with
respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
The sacred office the scribes and the Pharisees occupied meant
nothing to them. Hence, Jesus often rebuked them.
Each of us also occupies sacred office/s. I do not mean few
in the religious life. These offices mean nothing to many. Hence many hustle
for other ones they consider higher. Some mothers do not consider themselves fully
mothers because they have not been termed ‘Life members,’ Mothers of this or
that, even when there is nothing to justify any. Fathers and youths are not
different. Even priests are not fulfilled because they have not been made pastors,
monsignori, bishops, and so on. All these are geared towards either real or imagined
honour and very far from the duties.
We must be very careful. Jesus concludes, “All who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” True
honour comes after labour/duties.
Bible Reading: 1Pt 5:1-11.
Thought for today: You occupy a sacred office.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to realise how sacred
our positions are and also give us the graces necessary to fulfil their demands
– Amen.
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May
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