The day’s Gospel reading centers on themes of repentance, the need for inner transformation, and God’s call to return to Him with sincerity.
In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus addresses the crowds and his disciples, warning them about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. He emphasizes that they should not imitate the Pharisees, who do not practice what they preach, but instead, he calls for humility and true service to God. These are few pointers for reflection:
- Humility over Hypocrisy: In this Gospel, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their outward show of piety while failing to live by the principles they teach. This highlights a common temptation: to focus on external appearances rather than internal transformation. Jesus is reminding us that it’s not enough to simply follow religious practices or display piety. True faith is about living the message of love, humility, and service that Christ teaches.
- Servanthood as the Highest Calling: Jesus challenges us to adopt a posture of service. He says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” In the context of Lent, this is a powerful reminder to examine our own hearts. Are we serving others selflessly, as Jesus did, or are we more concerned with recognition and status? Lent invites us to humble ourselves, just as Christ humbled Himself by taking on human form and serving others.
- A Call to Inner Transformation: Jesus emphasizes that the greatest among us will be those who serve with humility and sincerity, not with the intention of being seen by others. This speaks to the need for personal transformation. During Lent, we are called to undergo a spiritual renewal that is reflected not just in what we give up or practice externally but in a genuine change of heart. It’s about moving away from pride and selfishness and toward Christ-like humility and love.
- Living with Integrity: The Gospel calls us to practice what we preach. We cannot separate our beliefs from our actions. As Christians, we are called to live out our faith authentically, letting the love of Christ transform not only our hearts but our interactions with others. Integrity in our faith means being consistent in our words, actions, and relationship with God.
In your quiet time, ponder on these:
Are we seeking to serve and love others in humility, or are we more concerned with outward appearances?
Are we not worried about our sins and so swim in evil doing?
In this season of repentance and renewal, we are invited to move beyond superficial expressions of faith and embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God that manifests in service, humility, and genuine love for others.
Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
( Sister Communicator )
