16 October 2024
Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Hedwig, Religious
Luke 11: 42- 46
Practice what you teach

We continue to read from Chapter 11 of St. Luke, where Jesus continues his criticism of the Pharisees. The Pharisees emphasized the meticulous observance of the Law of Moses and believed that following the numerous traditions accumulated over the centuries was essential for a devout Jew.

Jesus expressed frustration and strong disapproval towards religious leaders who were teaching a distorted catechism and misrepresenting the true nature of God to their followers. These leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to religious rituals, observing the Sabbath, and tithing as a means to appease God and avoid punishment, rather than focusing on the core principles of love, compassion, and justice that Jesus preached.

This sounds familiar even in our times as well. Even today, some people believe in a punishing God. Many people hold on to the observance of the traditions and rituals as a crucial part of their lives in the Church. Some leaders have even been more anxious aboutpreserving traditions and rituals than leading people to a more profound love of Christ and one another. Religious traditions and rituals should not be at the expense of the greatest commandment of Jesus: Love of God and love of neighbour.

Jesus condemns the Pharisees’ desire for attention and power. Even now, some Church leaders anticipate receiving the same level of respect. However, the habit alone does not make the monk, the Roman collar, the priest, the mitre, the bishop. In the rite of Ordination to the diaconate, the Bishop would give an all-important instruction to the one ordained as Deacon: ‘Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practise what you teach.’

© Claretian Publications, Macau
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024