Be Humble

 

Matthew 23: 1-12

A Warning Against Hypocrisy

23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ² “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. ⁴ They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

⁵ “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; ⁶ they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

⁸ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Like all ages in the past, ours is full of diverse opinions, philosophies, teachings and practices. Which  ones provide the answer to a full, happy and productive life? Jesus made it clear: humbly serve our Father in heaven and serve one another.  It may sound simple, but it is as demanding and at the same time as fulfilling as possible while we are on this earth. During these Lenten days, we might examine our approach to life. Is it the way of the Pharisees, or is it the humble way proposed by Jesus? He is our one instructor, let us humbly listen to and follow him.

Bro. Rene 

Jesus, you taught the crowd and your disciples that whoever was to be the greatest among them would be their servant. May all leaders be inspired by your example of humility, seeking not to exalt themselves at the expense of others, but rather to serve and support those under their care. Amen.

Br. Pablo Quan, C.S.C.