Readings: 1 Thess.1:1-5,8-10, Psalm 149 & Mat.23:13-22
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13)
Sadly, despite the diversity of churches, evil seems to rise in our society. We may blame Christians for failing to allow God’s words to transform their lives, as St. Paul says in Romans 12:2. However, we must also blame the preachers (the scribes and pharisees of today) for their hypocrisy.
Today’s Gospel passage is a continuation of Jesus’ admonition to the people, where He said they must obey what the scribes and Pharisees teach, but not imitate what they do, since their actions contradict their preaching. Many of us (preachers) attempt to deceive people by pretending to be holy, but we are not.
We are like David, who was quick to condemn the man in Nathan’s fable, or like the men who brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus. We assume the moral high ground and we quickly pick stones against government officials, tax collectors, so-called sinners, but as Jesus would say, “Let him who has not sinned be the first to cast a stone.”
When we honestly look inwards, we realise that even though we stand on the pulpit to preach, we are worse than our audience. This explains why we are not changing our society. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus accused the Pharisees of:
1) Shutting the kingdom of heaven to genuine seekers. Many no longer believe in God because we who claim to know God do not behave as if God truly exists. They don’t come to Church because we have made them see the church as a business centre. Many have left due to our scandalous behaviour.
2) Winning converts to fill up seats in our church but leading them straight to hell. As preachers, we tell people what they want to hear (instead of the truth). Our churches have become entertainment centres. We pay musicians and hire comedians to perform in the sanctuary. Our messages do not convict people of their sins or touch their hearts to repent. We make people believe holiness is the same thing as material prosperity. We respect the rich while we push the poor aside.
3) Teaching false doctrines, swearing, and oath-taking. Like the Pharisees, we teach doctrines that suit us instead of drawing the people’s attention to God. We make ourselves gods in the eyes of the people. What makes the altar and the temple places of healing is God’s presence, not the preacher’s grace or charisma.
In today’s first reading, Paul commends the Thessalonians for turning away from idols when the Gospel was first preached to them. The truth is that many preachers have become idols today. Christians are more afraid of their pastor (priest, prophet, evangelist, etc.) than God.
As Africans, we must be commended for leaving behind the idols our ancestors worshipped. However, we are not yet fully converted if we transfer worship to church founders or owners. Stop praising your preacher when giving your testimony. Stop wearing your preacher’s picture on your neck.
Correct your preacher or report them to the authorities when they overstep their boundaries; do not spiritualize their flaws or make irrational excuses for their misdeeds. If you attend a church where the preacher cannot be disciplined or punished, or where there is no system of dealing with offenders, better run before you become a victim.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse us from all forms of 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. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Thess.1:1-5,8-10, Psalm 149 & Mat.23:13-22)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu