Monday 23 August 2021
St Rose of Lima
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10. The Lord takes delight in his people – Ps 149:1-6, 9. Matthew 23:13-22.
Alas for you, you hypocrites
Clare: You were certainly hoeing into the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus. What made you so angry?
Jesus: I was angry because they claimed to know what God wanted of people and how they should live, and people followed them. But they finished up the creek. And worse than that, they thought that they were doing God’s will.
Clare: You said that they were shutting down the kingdom of heaven. That’s a big call.
Jesus: Yes, that was the worst of it. In God’s Kingdom people know that God loves each human being, weeps with them, rejoices with them, forgives them, has a special care for people who are neglected and poor, and wants to win all hearts. These blokes turn God’s kingdom into an exclusive men’s club and God into a pedantic rule maker and policeman. Those who follow them become even more narrow and severe.
Clare: You make the Kingdom sound like a party, Jesus. Am I invited?
Jesus: Of course, Clare. Bring your friends.
Email this Print This Page
