Preparation for Sunday mass: Matthew 23:1-12


We present here the text that will be read at Sunday mass, the 3rd Sunday of the Great Advent, and we formulate some questions that might help us prepare to hear the reading.

hypocrites

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. 6 They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

- Jesus is speaking about hypocritical religious leaders. Why should one do what they say but not what they do?

- Why should they not be called “Rabbi”, “Father” or “Instructor”?

- At the end, Jesus gives the criterion for a religious leader: What does “The greatest among you will be your servant” mean?

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* For an explanation of the Great Advent see here

 

 

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