Today’s Gospel Reading concerns the essence of lying phoniness. That awfulness takes human form. Lying phoniness is personified in the phrase “scribes and Pharisees”.
Since the Words of God apply to all ages, and we don’t have a lot of people with the title “scribes” and “Pharisees”, to whom do they apply? Who are today’s “Scribes” and “Pharisees”? Some see them as lawyers and bureaucrats. Others think “scribes” and “Pharisees” are those who hate God, truth, love, freedom, and families.
“Scribes” and “Pharisees may also be “environmentalists” and “regulators”. The essence of “scribes” and “Pharisees” is “System Functionary”. Those dependent on systems become more loyal to their supporting system than to God, nation, and family.
Those in charge of governments tend to hate God, nation, and family. Today’s “scribes” and “Pharisees”, as in every age, are also Babylonian in nature. They worship their governmental support system. Their souls are lost. They are merely putting in time until going to hell.
Today’s Reading tells us how to identify those who hate God and us in every age: Gospel mt 23:1-12 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. (They pretend to be from God or some higher power in order to gain authority.) Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders,but they will not lift a finger to move them. (Think of the taxes and regulations with which we are burdened, held down, and paralyzed.)
All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ (Today, they like being called “Doctor”, traveling in private aircraft, and getting huge speaking fees for repeating mindless platitudes. Phony to the core, despised by God and those who love Him. How do we avoid living in such spiritual filth as “scribes” and “Pharisees”? By loving and obeying God and His Church.)
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant.”
Who are today’s “Scribes” and “Pharisees”? Haters of life and truth. Abortionists and environmental extremists. People who lie for money and power.
