Credible Witnesses of Christ

HOMILY: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 23:1-12
5 November 2023
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
 
How credible is a politician who makes promises but does not keep them? How credible is a father who counsels his children about commitment yet cheats on his wife? How credible is a priest who preaches compassion but treats his own staff very poorly?
 
In the gospel passage this Sunday, Jesus warns against teachers or those in leadership positions and ministries who do not practice what they preach.  The word most often associated with the scribes and Pharisees is “hypocrite”. In the gospel, the scribes and Pharisees are described as those who think highly of themselves. At banquets and synagogues they always choose the front rows or the places of honour. They always consider themselves as VIP. They feel they deserve the special treatment. They feel entitled and righteous because they believe they are the only ones who strictly observe the law.  They wear wide phylacteries and longer fringes on their clothing. What exactly are these phylacteries? These are small black boxes (like matchboxes) that contain several passages from the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) that are tied to the left arm and forehead with leather straps. The Jews use it in prayer to this day. The tassels are worn at the end of their clothes according to the law of Moses as a reminder to follow the commandments of the Torah. By making each of these items larger they knowingly drew attention to their superior piety and observance of the religious acts over others. What is hypocritical about it is that their observance of the law focused only on the externals. All for a show! No depth whatsoever. Jesus observes that their words are bold but their deeds are few. He says “Do and observe whatever they tell you but do not follow their example.” (Matthew 23:30 Their affliction is superficiality. They say the right words; it is just that the words never penetrate deeply enough to affect their actions.
 
I am sure that we have met people like them. Our culture tends to glamorise titles and positions of power. That is why many people like to run in politics even if they are not qualified or become so viciously manipulative just to get a higher position in the company. Sadly, once they have succeeded, they forget that they have an obligation to lead and govern well. Ano nga ang sabi ni Spiderman? “With great power comes great…? (Responsibility).” Jesus says that the greatest among us is the one who best serves the needs of those around him/her.  We however, think differently. We are more concerned with the perks and prestige of position. We are impressed by impressive titles and those who have the biggest desk, the largest house, the fanciest car or the most expensive bag.  We look up to those who travel first class and eat in the executive dining room, etc. Today’s readings remind us that if we want to be trustworthy and believable, we must live authentic lives. If we are in a position of leadership or authority, people look up to us. Every single one of our words and actions is more noticeable and is scrutinised rather extensively. So, we must be careful not to make our behaviour look “fake” or just a showing off.
 
Unfortunately, priests are not immune to such hypocrisy either. Once I attended a gathering of priests. In keeping with the custom, my priest-friends and I always converse with the other priests in attendance typically addressing them as Father so and so. One elderly priest, stopped us abruptly to make a correction… “It is Monsignor…” We were surprised but we managed to apologise. “Oh, I’m sorry, Monsignor…” This brings to mind St. Augustine who is known as the Doctor of Grace. He warns us of the root of all sin: “Beware, O Christian, beware of pride. You may well be an imitator of the saints, but always put it all down to GRACE; because that you should be something is the work of God’s grace, not your own merits…” Remember that everything we have accomplished and achieved is because of God’s mercy and blessing. As priests, we feel the weight of our responsibility. Just here in our parish, I am alone but there are many of you. In the Philippines, there is 1 priest for 8,000 faithful. Given the challenging times, it seems that no one wants to be a bishop anymore. Even St. Augustine was anxious of the responsibility when he was ordained Bishop. He said: “I am fearful of what I am for you, but I draw strength from what I am with you.”

Jesus’ scathing denunciation of the scribes and the Pharisees in the gospel passage is echoed in the First Reading where the Prophet Malachi has harsh words for the priests who do not speak God’s Word. He says God will send a curse on them and make them contemptible before people because they mislead the people and violate the covenant. God never sleeps. Our actions are not hidden from His knowledge. If we do not change, the Lord’s justice will catch up on us. Let us take heed of the ideal leadership mentioned by St. Paul in the Second Reading. May we be nurturing like a nursing mother who both gives and sustains life. Let us not impose heavy burdens on others, rather, let us always look after the needs of others. Let us draw direction and inspiration from the love we must have for one another.
 
Brothers and sisters, every mass is an opportunity to hear the Word of God. Let us not waste the chance to allow it to penetrate deeply into our hearts. Let us pray then that the Word of God, may not just inform us, but rather change us and transform us into credible witnesses of Christ in the world.