Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 27, 2024

Date:   Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent

Scripture Text:  Matthew 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. 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. 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.' 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. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew and recounts Jesus address to his disciples and the crowds gathered in the city of Jerusalem the week of his arrest, crucifixion and death. Here Jesus teaches us that our discipleship is to be one of service rather than prestige. Jesus rebukes the religious leaders who add to the law unnecessarily burdening the people when they themselves do not practice what they require of others.

During this week in the life of Jesus, He repeatedly through direct teaching and through parables taught that the whole of the law and the prophets and the desire of the Heavenly Father could be summed up in loving the LORD and in loving one another.

Jesus ends this particular “lesson” for disciples by telling us that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” We know from the Gospel of John that Jesus demonstrated this most eloquently and memorably when he put a towel around his waist and on his knees washed the feet of his disciples.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I humbly serving my LORD and my sisters and brothers? Is love the motivation for what I do or is it prestige or approval/admiration of others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us as the son of Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, born in a shelter for animals rather than a palace. Always and everywhere, You seek to show us that what matters is not our status nor our residence but rather our ability to love well and to serve, motivated by that love. The love of your only begotten Son for You and His desire to do your will for love of You and for love of us led him to the cross on Calvary. Grant that we may follow in His footsteps closely, living as loving daughters and sons and as His disciples. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.