By Kathleen Bordo Crombie

“But woe to you Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” ~ Luke 11:42

When Jesus said “woe to you,” it was seen as a serious chastisement.  In Luke’s account of Jesus’ encounter with the Scribes and Pharisees in today’s Gospel, Jesus said what was on his mind and meant it. He did not mince words!  Jesus did not mean to be cruel or humiliating but rather to help these religious leaders see the truth before them, make some changes, and follow him as the Messiah.

More is Not Better

The Scribes and Pharisees had attained positions of honor among the Jews. Strict adherence to the Law of Moses and respect from their people was expected.  They were good Jews, but the extra man-made rules they imposed became more important than the people they served. That was never God’s plan! God created Mosaic Law to protect His Chosen People and to bring them closer to Himself.

Seriously Off-Track

Jesus was outraged in this heated encounter. He was basically telling these religious leaders standing before him, “You guys are seriously off-track! Unless you change your ways, repent, and begin to serve my people, you will never get to Heaven.”  They saw themselves as highly important men. But Jesus told them they were as important as an unmarked grave that others unknowingly walk over.  They demanded compliance with the extra rules they created but did nothing to help people attain holiness under these burdensome expectations.  And now Jesus had insulted them publicly! No matter! Jesus told it like he saw it, and it was up to them to change.  One thing is certain: they could never say they did not know the truth – they heard it clearly from the Son of God.  They didn’t like it, but they heard it. The final decision remained with each of them, as well as any consequences that followed.

Prayer:

How many times, Lord, do you call me out regarding things I need to change in my life? And how many times do I listen?  Like the Pharisees and Scribes, it’s a conscious decision to follow you or not. Come, Holy Spirit … give me wisdom always to know God’s Will and do it. Amen.

Call to Action:

St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Examen to be prayed at least once each day.  In a spirit of detachment, we come to know the things God is calling us to modify and/or eradicate in our lives.  If the goal is eternal life in Heaven (and it is), then we need to root out all that keeps us from being holy and from being saints!  What are we waiting for?

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