From the beginning of his public life, Jesus came into conflict with the representatives of the religious institution, the scribes and the Pharisees. They considered him a heretic and alleged him of being possessed by Beelzebub. Jesus had called the scribes and the chief priests thieves and robbers, and he said that they had turned the temple into a den of thieves.
Today’s Gospel begins by presenting Jesus’ attack against the scribes. The scribes were the ones who wrote the financial and historical documents in Israel. These people began to acquire great prestige during the exile in Babylon because there was no longer a temple, and therefore, they gathered the people to listen to the reading of sacred texts. When they returned from Babylon, the scribes became the official interpreters of the word of God.
Pay attention: Jesus did not intend to condemn the scribes as persons, but he denounced their behaviour: “They like to go around in long robes” to attract everyone’s attention. Jesus could not stand these comedies. A person united to God, to God’s thoughts, to God’s feelings, never worried about attracting attention to be admired. A prophet wants to be heard, not admired.
Why did these spiritual and religious leaders dress like this? To distinguish themselves from others and to show that they were above the common people. The clothing was used to tell the people they were different and superior. It’s a pathetic way of begging for attention, of seeking vainglory. Let us pay attention; the scribes of Jesus’ time are no more but do we notice similar aptitudes and behaviour today in the Church.
Second attitude: These leaders attempt to grab the attention not just by their dressing style, but also by adding honorary titles and by demanding the bowing and hand-kissing. Even today, we listen to similar talks: ‘People in authority in the Church deserve more respect.’ It’s not true; respect is equal for everybody. If there is a ranking in the Church, then the greatest ranking is due to the disabled, the poor, the needy, and the sinner.
Jesus was allergic to all kinds of divisions. These separations create castes. Jesus says that these people will receive a very severe condemnation. This is the only time Jesus speaks of condemnation and it’s for people that everybody considers the closest to God, the best, and the pious people. Jesus has pronounced a very harsh verdict against those who exploit poor and helpless widows.
Mark also presents the story of Jesus commenting on the offering of the poor widow in the temple treasury. Most commentators have interpreted that Jesus was appreciating the selfless offering of the poor widow. Perhaps, there was something more to it. Jesus was fed up with the temple administration and the priests of the temple. How would he recommend the poor widow to contribute all her livelihood to such a corrupt system? He must have been condemning a system that demanded an offering even from the poor and the helpless, even when that was all that he/she had to live on!
For your reflection
1. Are clericalism and discriminations still a problem in our Church?
2. What can I do to promote equality and fraternity in my community?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by
Father Alberto Rossa CMF
