Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: November 5, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 this Sunday shares one of Jesus’ sermons in the city of Jerusalem just prior to his arrest, death and resurrection. Jesus speaks to the crowds and disciples about following the law as presented by the “scribes and Pharisees” but warns them not to follow their example. Jesus describes the behavior in ways we would judge to be insincere and prideful, actions intended to exaggerate their own importance and status. Jesus ends by reminding those with Him of the essential characteristic of humility in the lives and behavior of the faithful. We are reminded of Jesus’ initial teaching in the Gospel of Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, which begins with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I hold the LORD’s law (love of the LORD and love for my sisters and brothers) in my heart and seek to live it? Am I truly humble? Do I recognize my total dependence upon the LORD and is that evidenced by my reliance upon the LORD?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son to dwell among us and to reveal You to us through His teachings, his healings, and his examples. He broke open the law for us, helping us to see You and your great love for us at the heart of all law and the necessity for love at the heart of all our lives: love for You and love for one another. And when the time came, He gave himself selflessly upon the cross for our redemption, humbling himself. Because of His great love for You and for us, You have exalted Him above all others. Send your Spirit, LORD, to help us claim our relationship with You, to help us admit our dependence upon You, to help us to turn to You in our need and desire for life with You. Grant that we may be willing to put on humility and serve You, LORD, with love, and our sisters and brothers because of our love for You and for them. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.