Woe to You, Scribes and Pharisees

Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12, Ps. 96:1-5, Matthew 23:13-22

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them.” (Matthew 23:13)

As the Book of Sirach would say, “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). From the tone of Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel passage, this is a time for serious examination of conscience. Before this time, Jesus spoke in very soft (diplomatic) language. He even used several parables to drive home his messages to the Pharisees. Still, given that they did not understand (or make efforts to change their ways), Jesus went direct – He pointed out their sins and pronounced “woes” on them.

- Today’s Gospel passage is a reminder (a tiny glimpse) of what Judgment Day would look like. Do not get carried away with the reality of God’s mercifulness to the extent of throwing caution to the wind. On the Last Day, we shall be reminded of our misdeeds and the countless opportunities we were given to repent of them.

- The fact that Jesus was very hard on the Pharisees in today’s Gospel passage also tells us that being a good teacher requires a combination of several teaching methods. There is nothing wrong with using honey to catch flies, but sometimes, you must apply the rod – say it as it is. Your listeners should cry (or feel insulted) than for them to remain in darkness because you are afraid of telling them the truth.

- Jesus was doing them a favour by announcing woes to the Pharisees. Only a true friend will tell you the truth about yourself. Many preachers (pastors, priests, church leaders, etc.) wallow in darkness because they have surrounded themselves with praise singers. We, men of God, believe we are perfect because everyone respects us, and since no one is bold enough to correct us, we no longer see anything wrong with our sinful behaviours. Like these Pharisees, we take many things for granted, not knowing their negative effects on the flocks entrusted to our care. Are you a man of God? Appreciate your critics. Listen to them; do not consider everything as an insult. No one is above correction.

- Jesus accused the Pharisees of shutting down the kingdom of heaven. Am I an obstacle to those who sincerely desire to become saints? What scandalous things do I do in secret that must stop? Secondly, Jesus accused them of travelling far and wide to convert people only to make them perfect candidates for hell. Am I simply interested in increasing the number of people coming to my church? Am I more concerned about offertories, tithes, and seeds than the spiritual nourishment of my flocks? Thirdly, Jesus accused the scribes and Pharisees of not teaching the truth regarding swearing and oath-taking. How sound is my theology? What efforts do I make to update my knowledge?

- One word which summarises Jesus’ pronouncements against the Pharisees is
“hypocrisy.” W. L. Walker, in his article in the ISBE Bible Dictionary, writes: “The word ‘hypocrisy’ generally meant, in classical Greek, stageplaying, acting, the histrionic art; hence, it came to mean acting a part in life, etc. We find it in this sense in 2 Maccabees 6:25. It means “to pretend,” “to feign,” “to make as if”, etc.” The truth about pretence (acting the part) is that it doesn’t take time before it becomes obvious you are only a fake.

- In today’s First Reading, Paul commends the Christians in Thessalonica for their steadfastness amid persecution, a testament to their faith’s authenticity. Trials tend to sieve true Christians from hypocrites. In the face of great difficulties, all pretence melts away. Only a true Christian will remain in Christ when the wind blows hot. For instance, the crowd sought Jesus because they wanted bread. After eating bread the first time, they wanted to make Jesus a king (this was just a pretence). When Jesus refused to repeat the miracle of the loaves, their true colours came out; they walked away from Jesus. If you walk away when it is hot, you don’t deserve to be here when it is cool.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse us from all hypocrisy. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12, Ps. 96:1-5, Matthew 23:13-22).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu