31st Sunday Ordinary time 2011
Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
Psalm: 131:1, 2, 3
1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12
It is always daunting to preach after reading Jesus instructions to call no one on earth “father”. I wonder if that is why, years ago, people started calling me Rev Ev !
This seemingly harsh JC in the gospel today, taking off after the scribes and the Pharisees. But let us remember, Jesus was not attacking ALL scribes and Pharisees. He was condemning those who took honor on themselves, who were not compassionate and who put unnecessary burdens on others.
I suggest that we read Jesus’ words as directed TO US. He is challenging us to look at our lives and how we treat others.
Instead of judging the poor, we should be serving them through our efforts on behalf of economic justice.
Instead of criticizing those of other races, we should be serving them through our efforts on behalf of racial equality.
Instead of ignoring the homeless, we should be serving them through our efforts on behalf of adequate housing for all.
The reading from Malachi reinforces the teaching of Jesus: we must practice what we preach. We must never be the cause of others turning away from our one God and Father.
We all struggle to align what we do with what we say, especially when we are in some position of authority (e.g. parents, teachers, civic and religious leaders).
What is at stake is not only our own integrity but also the well-being of those for whom we are role models.
St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians, our message, our word, and our teaching are God’s, who works through and in us all. It is so tempting to make myself the message and the teaching—especially when I have an honorific title. I am a Reverend, a “father”.
If we wish honor, let it be in service, rather than in being served. If we aspire to be Number One, let us be the first to forgive, to heal, to minister. We can’t escape the message. Jesus is speaking to US, not just the Pharisees.
We are brothers and sisters. There is no one of us above the other, even though some of us, by the grace of God, are asked to read the book, preach the word, offer the consecration, or pray the absolution.
Our ministry, like St. Paul’s, must be one of gentle encouragement, “as a mother,” he says, sharing the Good News and graces of our lives. This may not make us look very imposing. But it will make us, with Paul, more grateful.
The way to live our Christian faith is to build a human community of love and justice. The first step in doing this is the acknowledgment of our failings and acceptance of the forgiveness of our sins. Faith gives us the promise of peace and makes known the demands of love. And what love demands is service: The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest.
Rev. Ev Hemann