Roy Bennette in his book “The Light in the Heart” states: “Don’t let things that matter least, get in the way of things that matter most.” What he is pointing out here is that it is important to consciously prioritize what truly matters. We should not allow ourselves to be consumed by less important tasks or distractions that hinder the pursuit of one’s most significant goals or aspirations. That is also the contention of Jesus in today’s Gospel when he criticizes the Pharisees for getting wrapped up into religious rituals while ignoring mercy and fairness to others.
Jesus never hated the Pharisees, but he confronted the attitudes or the mentality they exhibited, and which can all too easily be among us as Christians. They focused on scrupulous observance of the rules while by-passing the love of God and neighbor, which is what really matters. Jesus was not amused with their craving for social prestige and pride, desiring that people look up to them while they loaded unendurable burdens on the simple and vulnerable people. The Pharisees got carried away with their attentiveness to minute matters of little importance, like tithing the mint while neglecting the care for the needy and the weak. Instead, Jesus implores them, and to all of us, to place their attention on loving God and neighbor. Jesus calls on them to let the love of God and neighbor influence their lives to be charitable.
Living Our Lives as the Gospel
Living a life shaped around the gospel values we all know can be a challenge in itself. Sometimes we can feel like we are overburdened in trying to imitate Christ. Yet, Jesus is not about placing unnecessary burdens on us, rather his message is we should be:
• a source of hope as He, and his Father are, when all else seems hopeless.
• that we be a source of strength when weakness seems to overpower or prevail upon us.
• that we try to shape our lives around love and mercy and not be consumed by pietism and legalisms.
Making an Interior Examination
We too are not immune to the attitudes and mentality of the Pharisees. Sometimes as parents, or leaders, or priests we have been more anxious to preserve the Church rules and practices than leading people to a deeper love of Christ and each other. We can also be guilty when we follow double standards, making one rule for ourselves and another for those under our direction and guidance. We need to ask ourselves if Pharisaism is indeed alive and well in our lives. Reflecting on our daily routines and religious habits; do they lead us to care deeply for the vulnerable or makes us rigid, judgmental and detached from real human needs?
In examining or reflecting on our intentions or motives, do we just seek recognition, status or praise from others, or we are quietly serving the lord out of love for him and our neighbor. Whether at home, or at workplace or in church setting do our words, comments or expectations add stress and legalistic pressure or do they offer grace, merch and genuine help? Our prayer must be to allow the love of God to transform our minds and hearts so that we can act with justice, kindness and mercy in all that we do and speak.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Fulgens' inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at The Father Peyton Center. You can view the Mass in its entirety here: Family Rosary YouTube page.
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