05/11/2023

Thirsty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

For me, today’s gospel points to three facts.

1.Jesus reminds us that the scribes and Pharisees carry legitimate authority. They sit, metaphorically speaking, on "the seat of Moses." Jesus does not tell the people to rebel against these leaders. Rather, He warns Israel not to imitate their hypocrisy.

Great writers, composers and artists  - and even The Vatican - have shown that beauty and truth can come from morally degenerate sources.

Listen to what they say. Ignore – even detest – the way they act.

2.We are reminded that everything, all authority, comes from God.

“you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven.” Says Father Vlad. 

3.We should use all the  gifts we have for the benefit of our community. Our dignity comes from being a servant. Remember the foot washing at The Last Supper in John’s Gospel?

The Pope claims to be the servus servorum Dei: the servant of the servants of God.

Little children tend to be self-centred. Adults – decent adults – are there for others.

I like to think I am – aged 84 - an adult. Discuss this after mass when you are home?