Readings: 2 Thess. 2:1-3,14-17, Ps. 96:10-13, Matthew 23:23-26
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you, tithe mint, dill, and cummin, but you have neglected the law’s weightier matters: justice, mercy, and faith. It is these you ought to have practised without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23)
Today’s Gospel passage calls for a deep examination of conscience. Once again, we must remember that Jesus never set out to condemn these religious leaders; he spoke out of love so they would wake from their slumber and apply the needed changes where they were going wrong.
Today, we hear Jesus accuse the Scribes and Pharisees of emphasising tithes while ignoring the law’s weightier matters: justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus says the tithe issue is like a fly compared to a camel. If I begin to preach that failure to pay tithe is equivalent to going to hell, God will judge me severely for turning the truth upside down.
Jesus did not condemn tithing; He said it is less important than justice, mercy, and faith. This means that on the last day, God will never ask why you refused to pay your tithes. Instead, He will ask you why you failed to practice justice, mercy and faith. We will be judged for failing to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick and the prisoners, etc. If you do not feel like tithing or you do not believe in it, you are not sinning.
Some have asked me if using their tithes for charity or giving them to their parents is okay. Now you know the answer: justice, mercy and faith (which can only be expressed by good works) are more important than tithes. Even if you believe in tithes and practice them faithfully, remember that God is not a money doubler and that your blessings do not depend on your tithing. God blesses His children according to His will, not according to their offerings. This is why many non-Christians are wealthy and successful and do not tithe.
In today’s First Reading, St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians: “Let no one deceive you in any way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). There were many false preachers in those days who did not understand the Scriptures and were busy misleading the Christians regarding the end of the world (The Lord’s Day).
Today, we still have many preachers who deceive Christians by making them part with their hard-earned money in the name of tithes and seeds. Brothers and Sisters, let no one deceive you. Men of God, do not become a burden to your parishioners in the name of tithes. Do not be more concerned about the number of people who come to church than the quality of their spiritual lives.
Jesus condemned the practice of washing the outside of the cup (making people feel good), yet inside, their hearts are full of corruption, wickedness, and evil. True change can only begin from the inside. When we build justice, mercy and faith, we cleanse the inside of the cup. It is better to have a church with few members who are morally upright (whose lives inspire justice, mercy, and faith) than a church packed with people who pay tithes but do not know God.
When there is more emphasis on tithes (and giving) than the spiritual growth of the flock, it is a sign that one has lost faith in God’s providence. The truth is that God, who called you into ministry, is truly capable of ensuring that what is needed is provided. He has a way of touching people’s hearts to give, just as He provided a ram for Abraham when He tested him. Threatening your people because of tithes gives a wrong image of God and makes the church appear as a business centre.
Let us pray: O God, who causes the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Thess. 2:1-3,14-17, Ps. 96:10-13, Matthew 23:23-26)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu