By Anthony Jayaraj csc –
Readings: Ruth 2: 1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Mt 23: 1-12
The gospel passage is a challenge to my conventional belief system. I realize that I have several role models who in many ways influence my worldview. Their charisma is such that I sometimes unconsciously follow their lifestyle rather than their principles and philosophies which attracted my attention first.
Today, Jesus is inviting me to follow their teachings and not them. This is a real challenge for me, and I believe that it is the same for many of us too, including children, youth, and family members. We have many role models including our parents, friends, sports stars, actors, political leaders, and social activists who inspire, and challenge the structured society like Fr. Stan Swamy.
Principally, what I am invited by today’s gospel is to reflect on the impact made by my role models on my life and the positive response created within me. It is a kind of litmus test that Jesus gives me to check the worthiness of the role models who are close to my heart. However great my ideal role model might be, if he/she fails to be concerned about those in the periphery of the society, such as the marginalized, poor, hungry or the sick, then it is high time for me to go beyond myself, my interests, my family, my comfort zone and challenge my false irrational beliefs.