11/5/2023 (Sunday) 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.”

11/5/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reflection / sermon / homily: Matthew 23:1-12

The gospel reading above is a reprimand or rebuke against people, most especially leaders, with excessive self-importance. These kind of people based their worth on their title or position in society. They find happiness in the recognition and salutation that others give them. They have a constant need for attention and they feel good when they dominate others. To some extent, they become angry and even murderous when they are dominated. It means they always want to be above others in everything. Moreover, they can’t learn from others because their attitude is “Don’t dare to teach me. I’ve been there; I’ve done that.” The Pharisees and other religious leaders exhibited some or all of these behaviors so Jesus has harsh words for them. He strongly scolded them several times by saying “woe to you Pharisees and scribes…” (Matthew 23:13-39).

On the other hand, Jesus gives the assurance that people who are humble will be exalted. So let us enumerate some specific acts of humble people and see if we practice them:

1. They don’t seek attention and they are contented working in the background.
2. They are happy to learn from others because they think there is always a room for improvement.
3. They laugh at their own mistakes and they are tolerant of the mistakes of others.
4. They recognize that some people are better than themselves and they don’t feel bad about it. In fact, they are happy at the success or achievement of others.
5. They never boast about their strength, achievement or possessions. They believe that all these things come from God.
6. They are unhappy to see people with heavy burdens and they are willing to offer help.
7. They are grateful for small blessings. Moreover, they know how to say thank you with sincerity and they also know how to accept compliments with a joyful heart.

In short, humble people are happy because they accept themselves for who they are – children of God. They are willing to learn and willing to serve. Are we these people or are we the modern Pharisees?

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