In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus’ sharp rebuke of the “lawyers” – the teachers of the law – who took away the key of knowledge; by not entering into it themselves, and so they hindered those who were entering into it.
This warning was not just for their time, but rather it speaks directly to every community that claims to be a “church of the Word.”
Jesus’ words expose a potential pitfall: those entrusted with authority whether in the Church or in our families, sometimes become solely gatekeepers rather than guides to Jesus and His Gospel message.
A Poor Teacher
Imagine a classroom where a teacher, overwhelmed by his own doubts, refuses to answer a student’s sincere question, fearing it might expose his own ignorance. The student leaves discouraged; the lesson unfinished, while the teacher’s reputation remains intact.
Likewise, when we hide our own shortcomings and judge others, we become “lawyers” who can hinder a pilgrim’s path to God. The Gospel invites us (priests, deacons, religious, parents, siblings, neighbors) to a different posture. First, we must examine the “plank” in our own eye before pointing to the fault in another’s.
Bearing Good Fruit
Pope John Paul II, speaking of this very tendency, urged us to “look at others with eyes of understanding and kindness” and to recognize that “each tree is known by its own fruit.” By cultivating humility, we become true bearers of the key, opening the way for others to encounter Christ.
Today’s Gospel calls us to ask ourselves; how do we live this today? We can begin by listening attentively to those who come to us with questions or doubts, especially the marginalized and the seekers on the edges of our families and communities …offering them freedom to explore the faith without fear of human judgment.
Removing Our Obstacles
Secondly, in our own prayer, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the hidden obstacles in our hearts and to give us the courage to remove them as needed through the Sacrament of Confession.
My brothers and sisters, inspired by the faith of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let’s take a concrete step today—perhaps a brief conversation with someone in your family who’s going through a period of questioning and doubt, or a patient ear for a young person who’s feeling discouraged, or a simple act of kindness that removes a barrier to someone in your community.
In doing any of these acts, we become the very “key” that Christ calls us to be in His Name. May the Lord grant us the grace to open our hearts, to enter the Kingdom ourselves, and to lead others through the door of His love.
St. Margaret Mary…Pray for us!
- Today’s Readings
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
