Tuesday March 10, 2009

Tuesday March 10, 2009 of the 2nd Week in Lent

Readings: Isaiah 1: 10, 16-20 Psalm 50 Matthew 23: 1-12
Psalm Response: “To the upright, I will show the saving power of God!”

Isaiah proclaims the deeds of the generation to whom he writes, in God’s name, and compares their actions to those of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. They had refused Lot’s offer of his daughters to sate their lusts with women, to the disordered sins they wished.
We must wonder; how base was the present generation to have had Isaiah call down God’s wrath as they forgot His words and did what was abominable to Him.
Our generation doesn’t think of the positive actions we might take when we subject others to the condemnation for their sins. We usually focus on the DON’TS, rather than, by our example and consolation to bring about joy into their lives.

The Psalmist repeats Isaiah’s remonstration! How can we sit idly by while our duty calls on us to have mercy. Who knows? One day we may be the object of derision or we may be in the bread line seeking compassion. The psalm response promises, to the upright; those who care; the saving power of God.

Who among us hasn’t at times been holier than thou? Christ points out the failings of the Scribes and the Pharisees as reprehensible. They lay out the Law as was their responsibility, but they ignore it themselves.
Are we not like that ourselves?
Sometimes, we make known our “problem” with the action of someone else; while, we continue our own pursuits to the detriment of the needy.
The Pharisees were considered the successors of Moses; “Sitting in his chair”, with his authority to lead and teach others. However, Christ warns against imitating their actions in opposition to their teaching.
When Christ speaks of the One Teacher, His Father, it’s the reminder of our consciences as the arbiter or right and wrong. Learn from Him!