Matthew 23: 1-12 Reflection

Gospel Mt 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection

Why do we have to be humble? Isn’t it too demeaning at times when people simply look at us as weak, fearful, indecisive individuals because of humility? Well, because that’s what God is and He wants us to be like Him.

                                                                                        

We are told not to be called ‘rabbi’ or ‘master’ for only God bears these names. Yet, why are we at times tempted to be recognized as ‘rabbis’ and ‘masters’? But why is t too hard for us to be simply humble? Well, because these titles could mean a lot to us; they make us powerful, influential - they literally make us humans.

We usually understand “titles’ as having control of everything. And as human beings, we want something or someone behind us, or below us. These are our source of power against insecurity. And we give our best to bring together all titles that we can get. These make us more human. In this way, we fulfil the longing of our human desire. Unfortunately, these titles cannot really make us human, they dehumanizes us in a way. For when we are too focused on our own future, that’s when we forget the needs of other people.