TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF LENT- YEAR-B

I Reading: Isaiah 1:10. 16-20: Learn to do good, search for justice.

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12: They do not practice what they preach.

The Warning against False Religion

In the minds of the leaders, Christ was a threat to their position, power, wealth, security and nation (Mt 12:1-8, 10;15:1-20). They were forced to discredit Jesus before the people and wanted to kill him. This background lies behind the present chapter-the most sever attack Jesus Christ ever spoke against the scribes and the Pharisees because of hypocrisy of their lives and religion-a religion which stands as a symbol of the false religions of the world (cf. Rom 2:17-29). The false religion is a man made religion.

1.     Jesus spoke to the crowds and to the disciples (v.1)

2.     False religion is a religion that claims to “sit” in the truth, Moses’ seat (2)

3.     False religion is a religion of hypocrisy (3)

a.     It is good to obey their preaching

b.    It is not good to follow their practice

4.     False religion is a religion of heavy burdens (4)

a.     Leaders imposed heavy burdens upon others

b.    Leaders did not imposed the burdens upon themselves

5.     False religion is a religion of show, of display (5-7)

a.     A religion of appearance: Dress, clothing

b.    A religion of position: position that honour and exalt people

c.      A religion of titles: Titles that honour and exalt people

6.     False religion is a religion to be guarded against (8-12)

a.     Because position and relationships are already established

1.     God is your Father

2.     Christ is your Teacher

3.     You are brothers and sisters

4.     Because greatness is measured by SERVICE

5.     Because judgement is coming

Thought: God has no favourites among people. Why should we seek to appear as a favourite? Why should we seek appearance, positions and titles and honour that point toward him/her instead of his/her Lord?

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