Readings: Ezekiel 43:1-7, Ps. 85:9-14, Matthew 23:1-12
“Practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:3)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus acknowledged the authority (chair) of Moses held by the scribes and Pharisees, and for this, he tells his followers to obey them and observe what they preach. Wherever there is no leader (no one exercising authority), everything falls apart. Jesus knew the importance of authority; hence, He gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom of heaven, making him the head of the church.
Jesus also pointed out that even though the scribes and Pharisees preached the truth, they did not live it. Jesus said, practice what they tell you, but not what they do. No wonder Jesus referred to them often as hypocrites, that is, whitewashed tombs which outwardly appear beautiful but are full of dead men’s bones inside.
All through His public ministry, Jesus sought to correct this anomaly; He tried to make them understand that the washing of the cup must begin from the inside – that the external show of religiosity does not move God. Instead of accepting the truth, they were determined to kill Jesus.
We may lie to the world about who we are, but we can never lie to God. The worst kind of life (and the most miserable too) is living in pretence; projecting a false image of yourself like an actor on stage. Funny enough, the movie comes to an end too quickly, and the audience gets to know the true identity of the characters. As Jesus said: “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2)
Am I a religious leader who does not practice what I preach? Do I have skeletons in my cupboard? Am I doing God’s work just for the fame and material benefits? Am I living out the life that my title connotes? These are very important questions for our self-examination today. Jesus said: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary (the fifth glorious mystery). On 11 October 1954, Pope Pius XII introduced the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary through his encyclical “Ad Caeli Reginam” (The Queen of Heaven). Initially set for 31 May, Pope Paul VI moved the date to 22 August in 1969 to align closely with the Solemnity of the Assumption, highlighting Mary’s role as Queen Mother of Heaven and Earth.
As Queen Mother, Mary intercedes for us and serves as a mediator, distributing God’s grace from her heavenly throne. She lovingly cares for her children, eager to gather them in Heaven with her Son. This memorial invites us to approach Mary with the same trust and simplicity as a child approaches their mother, finding in her protection, hope, and boundless love.
Today’s celebration reminds us that Mary, our Queen Mother in Heaven, is always ready to support and guide us with her perfect and unparalleled motherly love.
Let us pray: O God, who made the Mother of your Son to be our Mother and our Queen, graciously grant that, sustained by her intercession, we may attain in the heavenly Kingdom the glory promised to your children. 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. (Our Lady, Mother and Queen. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ezekiel 43:1-7, Ps. 85:9-14, Matthew 23:1-12)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu