REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus does not question the authority of the scribes and the Pharisees to teach, to sit on the “chair of Moses.” In the Jewish community, they teach the people the Law, speak in the synagogues, settle cases in the community, copy Scriptures texts, and act as guardians of tradition. Rightly do people seek them. But this attention can easily lead to pride. Today’s Gospel shows them as loving and seeking honor among the people. They set out to be seen, to be greeted, and to be saluted as “Rabbi.” They seek the rewards of human beings, rather than the reward of God, who looks at the heart, and who raises up the lowly but humbles the proud.

GOSPEL • MATTHEW 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 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 widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.