By David Peter csc –
Readings: Rom 2:1-11; Lk 11:42-46
In the first reading, we reflect on the righteous judgement of God and his equal treatment to his people. We realize that God’s judgement on us is in accordance with the truth. It is God’s grace
and our response through action that leads us to eternal life. If we are self-seeking and follow wicked ways, we will experience wrath and punishment of God.
The gospel passage of the day is unique because Jesus who spoke of love, mercy, and compassion, is now denouncing the Pharisees and the lawyers. The core meaning of this passage leads us to reflect on ourselves and our deeds. When we think of Pharisees, we know that they were only focusing on the external life. Today, Jesus invites us to get rid of the Pharisaic attitudes that we have in us and to make efforts in living an authentic Christian life.
In our lives, we may be regular for the pious practices, have full knowledge of the Bible, and maybe be a generous giver to the needs of the Church. But deep down in our hearts, if we have pride, dishonesty, and no concern for the poor, then we are missing living a true Christian life. By denouncing the Pharisees and the lawyers, Jesus is inviting us to grow in love and in the justice of God and be a person who eases the burdens of others by following God’s teachings.