Daily Mass Gospel Reflection- Bad Examples

Word on Fire Ministry ^ | 8-21-2021 | Aux. Bishop R. Barron

[MurphsLaw]

Memorial of Saint Pius X

Matthew 23:1-12

Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus turns his sharp eye and withering critique on the many ways that religious leaders fall into corruption. What precisely is bothering Jesus? Some religious leaders get their kicks from burdening people, laying the law on them heavily, making demands that are terrible, exulting in their own moral superiority.

At the core of Jesus’ program is a willingness to bear other people’s burdens, to help them carry their loads. And this applies to the moral life as well. If we lay the burden of God’s law on people, we must be willing, at the same time, to help them bear it.

Another classic problem with religious people and especially religious leaders: they use the law and morality as a means of inflating the ego. The trouble is that this drug wears off rather quickly, and then we want more of it. We need a greater title, more respect, more recognition.

What is Jesus’ recommendation for those caught in this dilemma? To be great is to be a servant: lowly, simple, often forgotten. Eschew marks of respect; don’t seek them. Be satisfied with doing your work, whatever it is, on behalf of God’s kingdom.

[MurphsLaw]

+++Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his
disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of
Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things
whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move
them.
All their works are performed to be
seen.+++

[PeterPrinciple]

they use the law and morality as a means of inflating the ego.

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But if you use the law and morality to point them to God,
you are a legalist...........................

[mdmathis6]

The priestly order of Moses teaches us the condemnation of sin under the law but the priestly order of Melchizidek of which Jesus was the chief priest, teaches us that those under condemnation of the law can be restored to God’s fellowship. The Mosaic law condmens sin and those who have sinned but Melchizidek is concerned with the reconciliation and redemption of those sinners from the penalty of eternal damnation. Moses is Mount Sinai and Melchizidek/Jesus is Mount Zion!