Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 18, 2025
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- Mar 18, 2025
- 2 min read
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:
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus exhorts His listeners to observe the rules set forth by the leaders, but he chastises the leaders for their hypocrisy and their performance for prestige rather than piety. Jesus ends by reminding us that we are called to servants as He has modeled for us.
Meditating on the text with personal questions:
Do I get caught up in a desire for prestige? Do I act out of loving faith with kindness or out of a desire for the approval and esteem of others?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, You are the source of all being. You are my creator. Send your Spirit to cultivate in me a pure heart and a humble spirit. Grant that I may look upon your beloved Son’s life, his actions, his service for love of You and love of us as an example for my own life and choices and actions. I 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.
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