October 30, 2005
Malachi 1:14-2:1, 8-10 + 1 Thessalonians 2: 7-9, 13 + Matthew 23: 1-12
It is easy to get caught up in this harsh critique of the Pharisees.
In fact, it is so harsh that the compliment they receive is hardly noticeable.
Their teaching is good.
It is their behavior that provokes the condemnation,
and the words of caution for disciples.
In fact the focus here in Matthew is not the Pharisees at all.
This is really an instruction for disciples.
The critique of the Pharisees is merely an introduction.
The lesson Jesus is giving disciples is that
they are not to be heartless taskmasters
demanding more than they are willing to give;
show-off do gooders making a big deal out of ordinary kindness;
or expecting exceptional service or recognition in public places.
This behavior is inconsistent with the internal spirit of humble disciples.
The disciple of Jesus will have an integrated life.
The outside and the inside will be in agreement.
This is the issue Jesus has again and again with Pharisees.
What you see is never what you get with them.
They have not internalized their teaching,
and what they do is not motivated by what they profess
nearly as much as it is motivated by a desire to “look good”
and so, of course, maintain their position,
the respect they enjoy,
and all the privileges that go with it.
Disciples of Jesus will live with integrity in the most strict sense of the word.
What they do will be an honest expression of what they believe
or they will not do it.
What they say will be a verbal expression of what they do.
Disciples of Jesus will be obedient only to God as they are obedient to their Fathers.
Disciples of Jesus will look to Jesus as their teacher for what matters, no one else.
It trivializes this lesson to think it is simply about titles.
This is about Leadership and Authority!
Consequently, we lead by example not by command.
Our leadership, when guided by compassion, will be recognized as genuine
because it inspires, brings life, and is enlightened by a vision of the Kingdom of God,
that is found in serving rather than being served.
The image Jesus has put before us
is that of a master who puts on an apron and serves the household staff.
This vision of leadership pertains to every one of us.
It is not a plan for a critique on the hierarchy.
It pertains to every disciple who leads and serves others
as parent, spouse, friend, neighbor, model, mentor, or confidant.
Husbands and Wives are being instructed
about how to treat each other and serve another before one’s self..
Parents are being instructed
about how to lead and teach children with true authority.
Young People who already have positions of leadership
and those who are learning the skills and attitudes of leadership
must see and learn from Jesus the importance of including everyone,
the profound importance of appreciating and affirming not condemning,
and of strengthening another not destroying.
This weekend and tomorrow a lot of people
will be putting on masks and costumes.
This Gospel raises questions
about people who wear masks all the time.
Hiding or disguising the real face of things inside.
It raises questions to people who look in the mirror
and never see what others see.
The Word of God this weekend
demands with great insistence
that mask, mirrors, and the real face of people all three unite.