Yesterday’s Gospel text contains two short stories about wealth. The issues were dealt with in challenging ways then and still are today.
Jesus denounces and condemns the scribes. In Mark’s estimation,
they thought they were more important than everyone else: self-important, arrogant and
self-aggrandising.
In their fancy robes, prime seats in the synagogues, places of honour at important events and insistence on being first, the scribes have lost sight of God’s demands. This text refers to how the scribes “devour the houses of widows”. The same widows who need community support because of their devotion to God. (Deut 14:28-29)
So, where is the relevance
today, especially as it seems Jesus’ judgment of the scribes is based on their inner desires and motivations?
Perhaps the invitation today is to examine our motives and desires. How do we see ourselves in relation to others?
Reflections by Gillian Hugo