Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Romans 2:1-11; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9; Luke 11:42-46
Summary
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me (Jn 10:27).
Or the other voice you may be listening to having this effect.
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 (Rom 2:1).
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, Jesus describes two woes. What is a woe? In the Bible, “woe” is an exclamation of grief, anguish, or a pronouncement of judgment and calamity, often tied to sin, hypocrisy, or severe misfortune (google).
Jesus, ever mindful of the need for salvation of souls, is describing the pitiful state of those who are engaged in hypocrisy. He isn’t being sarcastic. He is being sincere essentially saying to them: You live woe because you live life inauthentically and he is speaking to those who “engage in such things“.
Personal Reflection
Eeek!
Let us renew our hope in the Lord resisting the hypocrisy of religiosity. Jesus cites specifically:
- Lack of judgement and love.
- Heaping Burdens.
- Seeking false praise.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101525.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry