Friends, in today’s gospel, Jesus comes against the scribes and Pharisees who prioritize ceremonial religious practices over Mercy, Faith and Charity. This avails them the opportunity to extort and exploit people. Why so much concern with external religious practices that do not essentially impact interior transformation? Of what use? This is what Jesus is against.
There is a need to be conscious of this mentality. Religious leaders and every Christian must heed this very impression of Christ. Sometimes we deny people of love and mercy simply because we judge them to be unworthy of them simply because they could not pay some dues or attend some events without knowing the reason behind that.
St Paul in the first reading is a good example of one who understands the Weightier matters of the law. He narrates how regardless of the opposition and shameful treatment, he took courage in God to break the fences of leaders -servants relationship. He said “we do not only share the gospel with you, we also shared our own selves.” This is true charity.
We are called to be truly charitable. Not to be opportunists, extorters and predators.
May the Lord bless his words in our hearts. Amen.
