Readings Is1:10.16-20; Ps 49; Matt 23:1-12
Avoid Pharisaic Life
Today, God wants
us to understand that conversion, repentance, and other things associated with
our Lenten journey have to go beyond verbal utterances and externalism. That implies
that our inner state of mind should be seen in action; and our actions and
external life should give a picture of our innermost being. To buttress this, the
first reading tells us, “Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from
before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good…redress the wronged, hear
the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.”
Jesus in the
gospel continues to warn against religious externalism portraying the Pharisees
and the scribes as religious bad examples that should not be emulated. Today,
do we give alms for others to see us? Do we go to church and take strategic
positions to be noticed? Do we attend morning masses, crusades, night vigils,
and other devotions just to be seen by men? Do we contribute for the growth of the
church or the society just for a mere applause or handshakes from people? We really
have to cross-examine our consciences to know where we are.
