Scripture:
Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Matthew 23:1-12
Reflection:
In our Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about the Pharisees and the scribes: “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 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. All their works are performed to be seen…. they love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor at synagogues…. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
I think part of what Jesus says is about privilege. The Pharisees and scribes enjoyed their “perks” of being the religious leaders of the people. But when people get caught up in their privileges, they forget to serve, and they have no trouble berating people without trying to help them.
We are called to service, not privilege. It might be helpful to look at Jesus’ words at the end of our reading: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We can be tempted to try to raise ourselves up by putting others down. We can be tempted to justify our prejudices by demonizing those who are different. But when we remember how Jesus humbled Himself to save us, we can let go of these temptations and seek to serve. We will not be concerned about having privilege or not; we will only be concerned with following Jesus and being right with God.
Fr. Phil Paxton, CP, is the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Birmingham, and St. Mary’s Parish in Fairfield, Alabama. He is the Local Superior of the Passionist Community in Birmingham, Alabama.