REFLECTIONS TODAY
The “woe” phrases in the Bible are often uttered in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. They denounce sin and caution those who commit it of future punishment. Jesus’ woe pronouncements criticize the Pharisees for hypocrisy and falsehood. He describes their piety as pretentious and serves only to enhance their reputation and influence as religious persons. In so doing, the Pharisees and the scribes demonstrate the immense gap between their inner and outer moral states, between their speech and action. The authority they exercise does not lead themselves nor others to true worship of God. Moreover, their hypocrisy transforms their converts to be more wicked than themselves.
In the passages preceding this Gospel, Jesus invites his hearers to be discerning of the Jewish religious leaders’ show of piety and their true character. Hypocrisy is a grave matter as it involves a failure to discern spiritual truth or even willful blindness to spiritual matters. Jesus has given us an example of a credible and integral life. His words challenge us to see and act on any inconsistency between the faith we profess and the life we live in reality.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 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.