Jesus never stopped challenging his disciples to a higher level of living. He urged them to swim upstream. He warned against laying burdens on others that they cannot themselves carry. He also warned his disciples to be prudent and discerning in how they talk about others.
Shortly after he calls his apostles (Luke 6:12), he begins a series of teaching. The Gospel text we reflect on this week is part of that series.
Jesus warns against a pseudo-religion that has, as its goal, to make others better. We are all too familiar with this. Some people think they are ‘holier than thou’ and tend to judge and condemn others, thinking they can ‘convert’ them. Jesus calls this hypocrisy. He often finds himself in a tangle with the Scribes and the Pharisees because they subscribe to this type of religion. This is not ‘good
news’. It is, Jesus suggests, counterproductive.
True religion, for Jesus, is one in which we take on the challenging invitation of changing ourselves, allowing God to work in us so that we are changed. Jesus sees things differently; people are evangelized when they see the inspirational examples of others who live exemplary lives. Many of the great figures we look towards in the history of the Christian Church made a difference because of their
example, their inspiration, and not their words of condemnation.
As we begin a new week, we are invited to reflect on how we evangelize others. Do I tend to think that I must change them by words of judgement? Or, can I see the power and importance of allowing myself to be changed and living with a transformed heart for others to see?
Your own life, your own seeking to live the Gospel in your life, is the best tool for evangelizing others. Your life, not your words.
What needs to change in my life so that I may be a ‘living evangelist’ and an inspiration to others?
