Matthew 23: 3-4
Gospel for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Matthew 23: 1-12
I was just a little amazed that the priest's sermon this morning touched on what I shared at Vespers yesterday evening; I and the priest shared about the fact that the Gospel message applies very well also to the laities (non-religious/priest members of the church).
Anyway, I fell that the 'condemnation' that Jesus placed to the teachers of the Law was rather harsh. I remembered as a young man, I was naive (perhaps I still am), I believed it was my duty to live as a Christian and correct those who opposed me; this used to be because I was mishandled by the religious.
But, coming to really think of it, who among us like to be deeply/harshly corrected? Even, when I am wrong in the eyes of others, but right in my own eyes, I will not resort to change my plans, my ways. When I read the life successes of some Christian religious leaders, I wonder were they right to be persistent in their views? For example, St Fransis of Assisi, he persisted in the need for priests and religious during his time who were having mistresses and wealth of the need of holy poverty. Mother Teresa saw a need to assist the living poor in India, even when such idea was opposed by the Indian Authorities. Mahamat Ghandi was another great father figure. Yet, these men and women of history, managed to make their ideals come true.
Perhaps, the question is, "when do we accept the correction of others and change our ways?" And, "when do we persist in the way we have decided on, despite the correction given?"
Maybe the answer lies in what the Gospel commands of me, "to listen and obey all" that are taught to me by those in authority and have the discernment of spirit not to "imitate their actions". I remembered when I was in high school working very closely with the late Bro Ulrick, I just carried out my duties prayerfully without worrying what others may think of me; it was hard for Bro Ulrick because his mission work was often labelled as controversial. But, I bet Bro Ulrick's work did gvie life to others in little ways.
The other thing that stood out for me from today's Gospel message is the need for each of us, especially in regards to the Catholic Community, to offer each other a sincere helping hand. Jesus condemned the Teachers of the Law of His time, for not offering help to their fellow Jews. This is another human weakness I have seen, where so often people are quick to correct, to gossip or order others, but so few are willing to actually assist in helping the person corrected to improve. This is a reality hard also for me to keep up with.
As the month of Oct comes to a close, so does the Month of the Rosary. It is always so comforting to end the month of the Rosary and go into All Saints and All Souls Day (1st and 2nd Nov). My mum and I went to the graves today with candles and flowers, and I am happy to see other families and individuals visiting the graves of their dearly departed. Just reminds me of how the living and the dead are connected, perhaps emotionally and in the mind, but as Christians this is our believe - the COMMUNION of SAINTS.