8/26/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 23:1-12

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,
2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.
4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.
5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.
10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ.
11 The greatest among you must be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

8/26/2023 (Saturday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 23:1-12

The gospel reading above shows the last days of Jesus on earth. The Pharisees and other religious leaders kept on questioning Him as part of their plot to destroy Him. They intended to expose Jesus as a fraud but instead, Jesus exposed them for their hypocrisy, dishonesty and vanity. Jesus warns his disciples not to follow their practices and exhorts them to be humble.

The virtue of humility cannot be overstated. Humble people do not seek the attention and praise of men. This allows them to focus on giving attention and praise to the Lord. They are not after titles such as “rabbi” or “master”. They are aware that Jesus is their master, Lord and King. Moreover, they how to serve sincerely. They look up to Jesus who came down to earth to serve and not to be served.

Jesus exalts people who are humble. They are his true disciples.

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