The title of the popular 1960’s self-help book, I’m O.K.; You’re O.K., popped into my head as the antithesis of Jesus’ warning to the scribes and Pharisees in today’s gospel. In an age when we’re told to think positively about ourselves, many still wrestle with low self-confidence and even depression.
Given this reality, how can we understand Jesus’ words of warning about hypocrisy and sin without further being discouraged?
- We can recognize the real battle that exists between good and evil in our world and on a personal level. Because of the effects of original sin, we can be tempted and fall. As one spiritual director said: “It’s going to happen, so what’s your plan?” St. Paul refers to this as “walking in a disorderly way.” The disorderly way of the scribes and Pharisees was to give a righteous outward appearance that had nothing to do with the reality of their lives.
- We can take an honest look into our actions and thoughts. How do they measure up to the ten commandments and the beatitudes? This is what Jesus wants the scribes and Pharisees to do so that they will realize the deep cleaning that their souls need to match their outward appearance. We can become tempted to avoid this self-examination … like we might not want to look in the junk drawer in the kitchen. You know, the one we toss things into but don’t want to sort through.
Jesus knows what’s in our hearts and minds, and this is where it all begins. To walk with Jesus each day, we need to work to have holy minds and hearts. That starts with praying each morning to do the will of God throughout the day, not just when people are watching but even when no one can see us but God. The more we pray, the better. When we do, we’re acknowledging our need and faith that God is with us.
This is what the scribes and Pharisees had lost and what they tried to make up for by a false exterior.
May we heed Jesus’ warning and grow to love Him more by the realization of just how much we need Him every day.
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