Brothers, all
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23; Matthew 23:1-12
Summary
Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow (ISA 1:16-17).
To the upright I will show the saving power of God (PS 50:23b).
Contrast
“Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, Though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” “When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? (PS 50:16-17, 21a)
On Leadership
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, … 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 (MT 23:3b-5a).
Saying v Doing
Our gospel portion is about not just saying the right things but actually doing the right things. The gospel portion is also about not making life miserable for others. Power does not empower the right to abuse others by way of the law. The oppression of others does not lift you up but makes you also captive.
We are all brothers.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031825.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry