Do As I Do
Jesus was confronted with evil throughout his ministry. The greatest evil was probably hypocrisy.
Calling Out The Hypocrite
The prophet Malachi used some very tough words in the First Reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Malachi 1:14b-2:2b,8-10) when he condemned the priests of his time for their infidelity. He threatened to curse them if they didn’t listen, “if you do not lay it to heart”. Jesus goes on to do the same to the scribes and the Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-12). He recognized their knowledge and understanding of the law, yet he criticized their hypocrisy. He accused them of choosing to exalt themselves for their own greatness and not for the love for others. He said, “they preach but they do not practice.” As the saying goes, "Do as I say and not as I do."
Following Jesus
Jesus’ ministry was about compassion and he has shown us that true greatness is not found in the external displays of wealth and recognition but in a humble heart. A heart that prioritizes the needs of others over the desire for recognition and praise. There are times when it seems like all of life is unfair. The rich keep getting richer and the poor suffer more than ever.
Living the Message
Jesus calls us to have an honest relationship with God and each other. He doesn’t tell us what to do, he shows us through his Son, Jesus Christ. We know what we are called to do, it is up to us to do it. We can begin by shortening that gap between who we are and who God wants us to be. Ask for God’s mercy. Do the inner work. Make the changes. Together we can do it. The cross on the wall gives us hope. The person nailed to it believes in us