How can this be applied to today?

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whatevergirl

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Today’s Gospel reading intrigued me…I think that Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees back then, but how can we apply this Scripture to modern times? Who is Jesus warning us of, today? (bolded part only) Please reply when you can…thanks:)

Gospel
Mk 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said,
“Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext,
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”
 
whatevergirl said:
Today’s Gospel reading intrigued me…I think that Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees back then, but how can we apply this Scripture to modern times? Who is Jesus warning us of, today? (bolded part only) Please reply when you can…thanks:)

Gospel
Mk 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said,
“Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext,
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”
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I see it as people who appears pious for their own sakes and not for spiritual reasons. Self important reasons. To be honored by others because of their pious appearances.

For example, this can be a person who attends Church on a regular basis to be seen as pious by the community but does have faith within themself.

Another example, are people who receive communion unworthily but do so for the community to look upon them as holy.

Here is a scriptural example of what I’m trying to say.

Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Prodigal Son1
 
As you might expect I have a particular affinity for all the remarks Jesus made about Pharisees. I see them as the men who were inordinately tied to the rules as they perceived them. They were always challenging others for not following the strictures of Judaism as they interpreted the Law. They also were quite self-satisfied by their perceived piety. Jesus of course spoke of them often and disparagingly. He often remarked that they were essentially in favor of rules when they had no apparent understanding of why the rules were enacted. Thus they were prone to argue their enforcement when the reason for their use did not exist.

I tend to find this tendency in those who are overly concerned with how others are fullfilling their spiritual obligations. This is exactly what Jesus referred to. He more than once advised others to worry about their own piety before attacking their perception of lack in others. He reminded them as I remind others sometimes that the rules are to assist not to hamper and so when they push people away, its a good time to check if they are being understood correctly. Oddly (LOL) I don’t find that many agree with me on this. Certainly on this forum there is inordinate concern about the faithfulness of others as well as the correctness of teaching of priests. There is also a tendency which I find totally reactionary evangelical to feel the need to evangeliize where no such action has been requested. I find this troublesome as well. There is a strong emphasis here on tolerance being equated with condoning, to the point of interfering in other peoples lives just so they are clear “that I don’t agree with their lifestyle.” I think such behavior is most unseemly for Catholics and does in the end much more harm than good, since it certainly drives potential converts away. I was taught that the best way to “invite” others to Catholicism was to live a spiritual, just, good life. I certainly know that that is what attracts me to a person’s politics, philosophy or whatever.
 
SpiritMeadow said:
As you might expect I have a particular affinity for all the remarks Jesus made about Pharisees. I see them as the men who were inordinately tied to the rules as they perceived them. They were always challenging others for not following the strictures of Judaism as they interpreted the Law. They also were quite self-satisfied by their perceived piety. Jesus of course spoke of them often and disparagingly. He often remarked that they were essentially in favor of rules when they had no apparent understanding of why the rules were enacted. Thus they were prone to argue their enforcement when the reason for their use did not exist.

I tend to find this tendency in those who are overly concerned with how others are fullfilling their spiritual obligations. This is exactly what Jesus referred to. He more than once advised others to worry about their own piety before attacking their perception of lack in others. He reminded them as I remind others sometimes that the rules are to assist not to hamper and so when they push people away, its a good time to check if they are being understood correctly. Oddly (LOL) I don’t find that many agree with me on this. Certainly on this forum there is inordinate concern about the faithfulness of others as well as the correctness of teaching of priests. There is also a tendency which I find totally reactionary evangelical to feel the need to evangeliize where no such action has been requested. I find this troublesome as well. There is a strong emphasis here on tolerance being equated with condoning, to the point of interfering in other peoples lives just so they are clear “that I don’t agree with their lifestyle.” I think such behavior is most unseemly for Catholics and does in the end much more harm than good, since it certainly drives potential converts away. I was taught that the best way to “invite” others to Catholicism was to live a spiritual, just, good life. I certainly know that that is what attracts me to a person’s politics, philosophy or whatever.
Click to expand...
That is somewhat what I took it to mean, as well. I believe that holiness starts with us, and our examples will be better than mere words. Now, of course, there are times when admonishing a sinner is wise…I mean, we are to look out for one another. But, when it becomes so scrupulous that the party seeking help, is shunned away, or is more confused than before they sought the help…that is where some internal inventory is a good idea, for sure.

I always forget the wise saint who said…"Witness often, and use words if necessary.’ Brilliant and to the point.

Prodigal–thank you for your reply…It was helpful, as well.
 
Your remarks remind me of the story that I have always felt to be both funny and with a degree of truth embedded within.

The missionary finds a tribe deep in the jungle and sits down for several hours explaining to the chieftan why he and his tribe need to convert to Christianity. The missionary paints all the terrible things that happen to sinners if they don’t abide by and follow Jesus. In all he presented a good tale of fire and brimstone for those who don’t convert and become a believer in Christ and his salvation. He explained in detail all the various new rules that the Chief and his tribe must follow in order ot remain in God’s good grace.

The tribal chieftan ponders this a few minutes and replies: You mean to tell me that I and my people were doomed to this hell by your God if you had not found us and told us of this Jesus?

Oh no, replied the missionary. God is not cruel. He doesn’t punish those that have not had the benefit of ever learning of Jesus. He saves those people out of his compassion.

Why then Mr. Missionary did you seek us out? Were we not better off before your telling of this tale than now?

Of course, I don’t advocate not missioning, lol. but there is a serious point is there not?
 
It refers to what Jesus refers to as ‘whitewashed tombs’ in another part. People who appear good on the outside but inside they are evil. And this world is full of such persons and as Jesus says we need to beware of them.

It may also be useful to keep in mind, rather than thinking what kind of people today would fit this category, we should also be asking whether or not we ourselves have any guilt of what Jesus is here condemning.

Do we make ourselves good by appearances but not in actuality?
 
whatevergirl said:
hmmm…that’s a possibility…but I think He was referring to someone religious, no?
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Hey whatevergirl,

Maybe has somewhat to do with was Jesus said in Mt 6:1-8 ?
Kinda sounds like it .

You weren’t pointing the finger at priests when you mentioned religious, were you ? I asked this because anti-catholics would say this.

Did you pick anything up out of the homily or did the pastor not touch on this part of the gospel reading ?

May God Bless, Static ( 1 Tim 1:15 )
 
Static said:
Hey whatevergirl,

Maybe has somewhat to do with was Jesus said in Mt 6:1-8 ?
Kinda sounds like it .

You weren’t pointing the finger at priests when you mentioned religious, were you ? I asked this because anti-catholics would say this.

Did you pick anything up out of the homily or did the pastor not touch on this part of the gospel reading ?

May God Bless, Static ( 1 Tim 1:15 )
Click to expand...
I think anyone can be guilty of being self-righteous - it’s the occupational hazard of the religious…So any pastor, priest, minister anyone in a position of authority and looked up to- as the pharisees were- ought to be on their spiritual toes at all time. We are supposed to be looking to our behavior before anyone else’s. To those who have been given much- much is expected. That includes power and authority.Are priests and religious guilty- yeah so are pastors and politicians. leaders of the Church are supposed to bring people to Christ- not dissuade them. Every act that is hypocritical and self serving is a beacon for despisers of Christianity. Worst thing is is that it doesn’t reflect on the individual’ hypocrite’ but people see it as the flaw of Christianity and Christ. It does untold damage. A recent poll among young unchurched people was what made them stay away from christianity? their answer was overwhelmingly the hypocrisy of those who espouse it.That says much sadly, about us and the mission that was given us- to bring Christ to the world. So far we have failed very much like the ancient Israelites who were supposed to make Yahweh known to the nations by their behavior! You know how that turned out. We who are Christians don’t realize that when we state our Christianity we are under scrutiny. So we have to be ambassadors of Christ- at all times! That is truly a hard thing -,knowing human frailties- but with God all things are possible. Peace:)
 
First and foremost I have to say that Jesus loves you and is proud of you! And with me, he is laughing at your signature and praising you for your Faith in him.

I also must say that the scripture is wonderful and it intrigued me too.
 
From the Haydock Bible commentary on Matthew 23:26:

The vices of the Scribes and Pharisees are not unfrequently to be found in Christians. The genuine characters of the pharisaical and hypocritical spirit, are: 1. to be punctiliously exact in trifles; 2. to be fond of distinction and esteem; 3. to be content with external piety; 4. to entertain a high opinion of ourselves, and to be impatient of reproof; 5. to be harsh to others, and ready to impose on them what we do not observe ourselves. Sins abundantly sufficient to rob us of every good, and to leave our house quite desolate! not less so than the temple and city of Jerusalem!
 
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