Gospel – 8/22/20 – Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but 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.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
I love this statement by Jesus. “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.”
Follow the Law of Moses but, under no circumstances should you make rules (laws) with no intentions of following said rules (laws).
The Pharisees were always requiring much of and from the people, but did not follow those requirements themselves.
Early on in Matthew we hear Jesus invite all to come to him. “Come to me, all who labor and are burdened.” He knew the unfairness the people toiled under.
Jesus never required of others what he wouldn’t shoulder himself – and much more.
We should be careful of what require of others – we must ask, would I require that of myself?
At least that’s what I heard Him say…
