Wednesday 13th October 2021. Read Romans 2:1-11, Ps.62:2-3,6-7,9, Luke 11:42-46
“Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.” (Luke 11:46)
There is a saying in Pidgin English; “na who dem catch nai be thief.” That is to say, “The thief is not often the one who steals but the one who was caught.” Surprisingly, many Christians operate by this philosophy: “All is well so long as I am not caught.”
Yesterday, we read how Jesus was invited to the house of one of the Pharisees and he did not wash before eating. This caused a stir among the Pharisees who were very quick to judge and condemn Jesus in their hearts but Jesus used the occasion to teach them an important lesson. Why are you so concerned about the outside (what people see) while the inside is full of dirt?
Today, Jesus continues his exhortation to the Pharisees. Jesus talked about how they tithe mint and rue while neglecting justice and the love of God, how they love the best seats in the synagogues and salutations in the market places meanwhile their hearts were like unmarked graves. Even a lawyer who tried to prove his innocence while Jesus was speaking was not spared. This implies that no one is exempt from this false show of religiosity.
At the heart of our readings is a deep call to an examination of conscience. Am I guilty of the evils which I point out in others? Do I laugh at people in public for committing the sins which I do in secret? Am I more concerned about maintaining a good public image than maintaining a strong relationship with God?
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to judge myself constantly rather than others. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 2:1-11, Ps.62:2-3,6-7,9, Luke 11:42-46)