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 most difficult things is to correct a person who believes they are perfect. It is a task that requires courage and 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 face how they cared more about their public image without minding that their hearts were full of iniquity. 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 would I continue hiding, hoping my secrets would 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 extent that even when confronted with the truth, we immediately consider that person an enemy.
- No matter how good you think you are, be open to criticism. Do not surround yourself with sycophants. Cherish and appreciate those who have different opinions; there is always something to learn and something you can improve on. 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.
- Today, we celebrate an African saint, the great Augustine of Hippo. He was born in Numidia. His family were ethnic North Africans (the Berbers). His father was a pagan, but his mother was a devout Christian. Augustine left his Christian background and joined the Manichean sect, founded by the prophet Mani in 240. He also fell in with friends who followed a hedonist approach to life. Despite his wayward lifestyle, he developed an interest in philosophy and was impressed by the writings of Cicero.
- Augustine became an expert in Latin and rhetoric. In his late teens, he developed an affair with a young woman from Carthage. She gave birth to his son Adeodatus in 372. In 384, he was given a more prestigious position as a rhetoric professor at the Imperial Court of Milan. Eventually, he annulled his marriage as he made plans to become a celibate priest. In 386, at the age of 31, he made a formal conversion to Christianity.
- Bishop Ambrose baptised Augustine in April 388. Afterwards, they returned home to Africa, where his son Adeodatus died shortly after. Augustine gave away his wealth to the poor and converted his house into a monastic foundation for himself and a group of like-minded Christians. He later became a priest and even a Bishop who defended the Church’s true teachings. His writings helped to formulate some of the Church’s doctrines.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to practice what we preach and be open to the truth. 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. (Saint Augustine, Bishop, Doctor. Bible Study: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18, Ps. 128:1-2,4-5, Matthew 23:27-32).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu