Readings: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18, Ps. 128:1-2,4-5, Matthew 23:27-32
“For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and all kinds of filth.” (Matthew 23:27)
One of the hardest things is correcting someone who believes they are perfect. It requires courage and a willingness to risk one’s own life. Jesus would have tried to be quiet (or even diplomatic), but he said the truth just as it is. This is one important lesson we must learn from Jesus, who told us, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).
When it comes to correcting our religious leaders, there is a tendency for us to quote passages such as: “Touch not my anointed ones and do my prophet no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22 & Psalm 105:15). In truth, the greatest harm we can do to God’s anointed ones and prophets is our failure to tell them the truth or to pretend (to praise them in their presence only to go behind them and complain). If you cannot tell someone the truth to his face, don’t say it to anyone else; this is gossip.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees to their faces that they cared more about their public image than about the iniquity in their hearts. Jesus likened them to whitewashed tombs, beautiful to look at from the outside but full of dead men’s bones inside.
As a Christian, if people get close to me, would they see something different from what I portray in public? Do I even believe the things I preach? Do I expect anyone to believe me if I am not convinced about right and wrong? How do I hope to convert a single soul if I am still an unbeliever? How long will I keep hiding, hoping my secrets will never be exposed?
The scribes and Pharisees practised adorning the tombs of the persecuted prophets for their righteous deeds. Meanwhile, they were about to repeat history by killing Jesus for telling them the truth. Often, we fail to examine our conscience and keep telling ourselves we are better than everyone else. We begin to believe the lies we tell ourselves to the point that, even when confronted with the truth, we immediately see that person as an enemy.
No matter how good you think you are, be open to criticism. Do not surround yourself with sycophants. Cherish and appreciate those with different opinions; there is always something to learn and something you can improve. Do not assume that your critics are being disloyal to you. Only a true friend will tell you to your face that you are going the wrong way. Jesus says we should be childlike to enter heaven, be willing to take advice even from our subordinates, and not become a god unto ourselves.
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. (Wednesday of week 21 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18, Ps. 128:1-2,4-5, Matthew 23:27-32)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu