In this Gospel reading, Jesus also points out hypocrisy. His criticism of the religious leaders of the day is harsh and negative. He is tired of the efforts to trap him and catch him off guard. His retort is sharp.
Jesus starts quietly, gently telling his followers to obey the words of the leaders. Jesus is referring to the Scriptures when he says this.
The Pharisees are all about getting ahead and being in control in society. They are concerned with prestige and accolades; they present facades and false fronts. They are concerned with their
appearance, focusing on looking holy because it makes them attractive and gives them authority. They are proud and pompous. They are deceptive.
Jesus says that these leaders do not practice what they preach. He says that they do not listen to the words of God that they are reading out to the people. The Pharisees are hypocrites. They are deceiving others, feigning
holiness and goodness to win favour with others and control them.
Jesus is not interested in all this deceptive nonsense. What matters is that you are admired for the person you genuinely are. Jesus is interested in this person, this you. Jesus warns us, too, though, that we need to be careful of overinflating ourselves in our minds. We need to remember that gift of
humility and stay true to ourselves.
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
