February 27, 2018

Mt 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.

They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.

The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Struggling to be more like Jesus

Jesus, at first when I read your words today I thought to myself: ‘This is something I still need a lot of work on…’ I’m a perfect Pharisee. Often, when I have more knowledge on a topic than someone else, I catch myself being condescending. When I’m busy, I can make all sorts of excuses why I don’t need to help with this chore but why others should. And the worst is when I’m busy and someone interrupts me. Don’t they know that I’m really important?! Frankly, sometimes I act like I’m king of the universe.

Jesus, you know I struggle with this, but I’m trying! I need your help. I want nothing more than to be like you. Help me to see your image in others and to give myself in service to love.

Can I offer control of my day today to God?

—Nathan Krawetzke, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.

Prayer

Let me have too deep a sense of humor to be proud.
Let me know my absurdity before I act absurdly.
Let me realize that when I am humble I am most human,
most truthful,
and most worthy of your serious consideration.

—Daniel J. Lord, SJ

 

 

Please share the Good Word with your friends!