31st Sunday Ordinary Time November 5, 2023

Readings: Malachi 1.14 – 2.2,8-10, 1 Thessalonians 2.7-9,13, Mathew 23.1-12

Hypocrisy is what really ticked Jesus off. This is the reason why he oftentimes criticized the Scribes and Pharisees. He characterized them as hypocrites, self-righteous, judgmental and blind guides. These are the people whose holiness is but an outside appearance but inside they are full of malice, lies and evil deeds. Jesus said in today’s Gospel text, “Do whatever the scribes and Pharisees teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.” Jesus seemed to be more compassionate to sinners like the prostitutes and tax collectors who are open to repentance, contrition and conversion than to self-righteous and hypocrites religious leaders and experts of the law during his time.

Of course, Jesus didn’t hate anyone. Jesus rationalized in the Gospel of Matthew 9:12 “Healthy people do not need a doctor, sick people do.” The Scribes and Pharisees because of their being self-righteous, it wouldn’t easy for them to acknowledge their flaws. They do not see the need for repentance and conversion. They were so blinded that they cannot see their need for a Messiah. It is true that only those who acknowledge that they are sick, who are in need of healing. What is hypocrisy? It is a pretense. It is like someone who claimed to have a good moral standard yet his action does not conform.

We are all in danger of becoming hypocrites simply because we are all sinners. That’s the bad news! But the good news is that we are also capable of repentance, as well as being holy. Apparently, Jesus is like telling us that it is better to acknowledge our sinfulness and weaknesses than to be dishonest about it. Only when we accept our shortcomings that we can be humble enough to beg for forgiveness and be open to change.

Fr. Terry