~~~ Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~~ Matthew 23: 1-12 ~~~
"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord..."
During Lent many people do return to God. Many people do repent. Many people take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation after many years of boycotting it. Local parishes hold missions. They bring in a priest from a different city and state.
"Come now, let us set things right..."
The church tries its best to get the message out through the readings. It is good that every year we have the incentive to get back on the boat with Jesus.
Jesus is poking the scribes and Pharisees again, '...do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.' Gee I think there is a similar saying 'your actions speak louder than your words.' Just ask any first time parent how important their actions are following their two year old mimicking a gesture they often use.
The Pharisees were also accused of showing off. 'All their works are performed to be seen.' They want to be noticed everywhere they mingle with others. They want to have the recognition and the proper respect they believe they are due. Their clothing and religious artifacts they wear are designed to draw attention. They want all who see them to think highly of their state of holiness.
They 'widen their phylacteries'
the small boxes prominently placed on their foreheads.
You cannot miss seeing these. They set the person apart from the main stream public.
the small boxes prominently placed on their foreheads.
You cannot miss seeing these. They set the person apart from the main stream public.
'and lengthen their tassels'
the tassels were to remind them of their relationship with God. The longer and more noticeable they were then, one would presume, the holier the person.
Everything done for show and attention.
the tassels were to remind them of their relationship with God. The longer and more noticeable they were then, one would presume, the holier the person.
Everything done for show and attention.
I think this concept has carried over into the military uniforms of some countries. Where the high ranking generals are adorned with tassels and long draping cords. Right away you are alerted to their rank just by how they are dressed.
I also suspect our graduation cap tassel is another tradition connected to this tassel concept. Once you graduate you ceremoniously move your tassel to the other position on the cap. You are visually announcing your accomplishment of acquiring higher degree of knowledge.
So here's a thought:
What if the length of a women's earring determined her spiritually? My family and a few of my friends frequently shop at a local bead shop. The jeweler who works there has made earrings for us. He has a distinct style. When we see each other it is a joke among us now as to where we have been.
I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but imagine what attention it would draw.
But this is not what Jesus wants us to do. In fact he preaches humility. He assumed the position of servant. He knelt down at the feet of the apostles and washed their feet.
He taught us by his example time after time that the humble roll of servant was to be preferred by those who follow him.
I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but imagine what attention it would draw.
But this is not what Jesus wants us to do. In fact he preaches humility. He assumed the position of servant. He knelt down at the feet of the apostles and washed their feet.
He taught us by his example time after time that the humble roll of servant was to be preferred by those who follow him.
We are called to be humble servants of the Lord.
So I invite you to honestly consider this question:
Are you lengthening your tassels or humbly serving?
May God give me and you a humble and contrite heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment