FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (1)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: DISPLAYING SPIRITUAL SUPERIORITY

BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 20 2022

Jesus observed how the Pharisees and other religious leaders dressed to attract attention by wearing broad phylacteries, which were headbands. These bands contained scriptural verses that demonstrate their religiosity. In addition, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their unnecessary quest for titles of distinctions, places of honour, and elaborate salutations. Jesus was not condemning the wearing of religious habits or clothes. The point he was emphasizing was that the habit does not necessarily make a monk, but what makes a monk is inner beauty and sanctity, which are known to God and manifested in daily life. They were infected with the holier-than-thou syndrome and saw themselves as gods and not as servants, as angels, and not as mere human beings. You and I share in the sin of the Pharisees whenever we put up an attitude that puts other people down. Surely, it is not only the Pharisees that are guilty of displaying titles. Sometimes, many of us in different fields of life like to flaunt our titles and achievements to make other people think that we are more important. The book of Proverbs states that God hates “A proud look” (6:17) and the Letter to the Romans reminds us, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (3:9). Are we conscious of our attitudes, choice of words, body language, and actions that display our pride and self-righteousness?

MATTHEW 23:1-12