First reading Romans 2:1-11
Do you think you will escape God’s judgement?
No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.
Responsorial Psalm 61(62):2-3,6-7,9
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
In God alone be at rest, my soul;
for my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
Gospel Luke 11:42-46
You overlook justice and the love of God
The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it!
A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’
‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’
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To glorify God in all that we do and say
In today’s gospel, Jesus criticised the Pharisees for taking the seats of honour and desire to be respected by others. They desired to be regarded as great in the sight of those around them. We too might want people to honour us. Today, Jesus desires to bring us to the deeper truth that our lives are meant to bring honour, not to ourselves, but God. We bring honour to God when we invest our time, talents and energy to do good to others.
At the end of the passage, Jesus was also critical to the lawyers who were the experts in Jewish laws. He accused them of placing heavy burdens on the people by their rigid way of interpreting the Law. Jesus revealed God as a Father of all who desires all people to have the fullness of life. May we, through our words and actions, show compassion by easing the burdens of others.
Questions for reflection:
In my words and actions, do I bring honour to God? Do I place heavy burdens on others in the family, at work, in the parish?
In my words and actions, do I bring honour to God? Do I place heavy burdens on others in the family, at work, in the parish?
