31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
HE WILL NOT DISAPPOINT
MT 23: 1-12
MESSAGE:
Do you ever find yourself feeling disappointed with your bosses at work, teachers in school, leaders in government, or servants in church? If so, you are not alone. In the first reading, the Lord criticizes the priests for showing partiality and providing faulty instructions (Malachi 1). In the Gospel, the Lord Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who claim authority but do not lead by example.
The under-performance of prominent figures in both the church and other social institutions can erode our trust, hope, and even faith. Students may lose interest in their studies, people might consider emigrating to other countries, and the faithful may seek spiritual nourishment elsewhere.
The words of the Lord present a strong challenge and a gentle invitation to these leaders to undergo a transformation and regain authenticity—to be the first to acknowledge the need to return to the ways of the Lord. However, the Lord Jesus also calls upon us, followers, not to wallow in despair, but to continue to hope when we encounter disappointment and frustration in those who lead us.
How can we do this? When human leaders let us down, remember that there is one Teacher—Jesus! There is one Father—God! There is one Master we follow—Jesus! No institution or religion is flawless, just as we ourselves are imperfect beings in need of renewal and new life. Shift your focus from people to God. Seek strength in God, not in human beings.
REFLECT:
We often have high expectations for our political and religious leaders, but do we remember to pray for them, that they may remain steadfast in their faith, make righteous decisions, and set exemplary standards in their actions? Let us also pray for ourselves, that we may place our hope solely in God, who is our most dependable and unwavering source of strength. He alone will never disappoint us.
“Let us pray daily for peace in our hearts, in our country, and in the world, esp. in the Middle East, Ukraine, and in other parts of the world in volatile situations. Lord, grant us Your peace! Amen.”
