Humbly Exalted
Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 23:1-12 - Then 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 one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’: you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus makes a very important clarification in the Gospel today. He is speaking to the crowds and to His disciples about some of their religious leaders, the Pharisees. We know from our reading of the Gospels that Jesus isn’t a big fan of the Pharisees in His day because of their hypocrisy, their lack of love for God, and because they are leading people astray. Nevertheless, Jesus does instruct His listeners to respect their authority.
This is a great lesson for Catholics today. The Catholic Church is both divine and human. Though most of its human leaders are holy, they still make personal mistakes. However, some leaders have made grave moral mistakes, causing great harm, great public scandal, and endangering their own souls. Though Jesus has many things to say about the sins of these men, He still advises us as Catholics to respect their role, or their “office” (as priest, bishop, etc.). Though certain men may have sinned terribly, this doesn’t mean we can show disrespect for the “office” of priests or bishops. These are holy “offices” that, according to Christ, deserve and demand our respect.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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