Beware of Hypocrisy
Introduction
Paul warns his Romans that they may not conduct themselves like the pagans, whose scandalous behaviour he has just denounced. But all are called to conversion, whether of pagan or Jewish origin. For God shows no partiality.
It is surprising that Jesus could cure all ills – the blind, the deaf, lepers, yes, and also sinners aware of their failures. But he could not cure Pharisees and scribes from their “open-eyed” blindness. Their hypocrisy. Jesus does perhaps not attack them so much for their literal observance of the last detail of the law but for getting so absorbed by the details of the law that they did not see the roots of all laws, justice and love. This is also the key teaching of Paul in his letter to the Galatians: not laws but the Spirit. We just discussed this item yesterday in the Annual Retreat of the Claretian Missionaries, West Nigeria Delegation: never to forget the spirit behind the Law (Letter).
1 Reading: Romans 2:1-11
You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works, eternal life to those who seek glory, honour, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honour, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
R. (13b) Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.
Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all. R.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. R.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him;
God is our refuge! R.
Alleluia: John 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 11:42-46
The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honour in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Commentary
Two categories of sinful people appear in today’s readings. First, there are those who have no difficulty judging others but fail to look into themselves. This is set forth by Paul in Romans. The second are those who are masters in articulating the law but pay scant attention to its major teachings and its call to love God. There are those who sit in judgment of the conduct of others, yet fail to see that they are guilty of the same conduct that they condemn. Do these people believe that they will escape judgment? The kindness and patience of God has been theirs and should have led to repentance. To continue on this path will only incur the wrath of God on the day of judgment for all, Jew or Greek, without exception. For God is not partial. The Pharisees permit tithing on every species of garden herb. But what about love of God? The Lucan Jesus does not show displeasure with concern for the less significant items, as long as the major issues are not overlooked. To walk over graves was to incur ritual impurity. The teaching and life of the Pharisees was to lead people unwittingly into wrongdoing. They had no difficulty in imposing burdens on others but never showed the compassion to assist those who were burdened. Religious leadership has serious responsibilities. Leaders in the community are called to five with integrity whatever they ask of others. Social outreach should be part of the mission of every parish so that the needs of the poor may be met. Where burdens are heavy and can be lightened, they should be. Years ago an old priest in Onitsha, known for his charity, could not recall a time when someone in need was turned away from his door. When he was asked if he had any idea how many times his charity had been abused, his answer was simple. ”No, I don’t know. But God is not going to ask me about that!”.
Blessing
We believe in Jesus Christ. We recognize him as our Lord and Saviour. This commits us, then, to practice justice and love of God and neighbour. Relieve your neighbour’s burden. Do not add to it. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!