Recognising the Pharisee within

Nov 08, 2024

32nd Sunday in
Ordinary Time (B)
Readings: 1 Kings 17: 10-16;
Hebrews 9:24-28;
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 (or 12:41-44)

Why did Jesus’ words towards the scribes and pharisees repeatedly sound unsparing in the Bible, whereas He treated the prostitutes and tax collectors with much compassion? Firstly, it is because the former are the learned in religious spheres, so they should know better. But more importantly, it is due to their obstinate behaviour. All of them were sinners whom He loved and came to redeem, but the key difference between them was the heart of repentance. While the scribes and pharisees continued to indulge in self-righteousness at the expense of the marginalised, Christ approached the prostitutes and tax collectors to regain their dignity in Him because of their will to repent.

Now, we may easily identify the scribes and pharisees around us, but often times, we have overlooked the pharisaic behaviour within us. We resonate well with the prostitute who was caught and then brought to Jesus whenever we fall into sin, while many times also, we intend to cast the first stone towards others. While the reproof of Jesus in today’s Gospel was directed towards the religious leaders of His time, it serves well to help us in our own examination of conscience. Have I been doing good to seek for recognition and praise? Is my life centred around seeking approval from the people around me? Is my outward show of piety incoherent with the inner disposition of the heart or the way I treat others? Do I put a spotlight on the flaws of others while masking my own? These are the pharisaic behaviours detested by Jesus and they may very well exist in us, more so for those who are in the position of power and intellects.

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48) That explains why the sentence is much more severe for those in position who misuse their power and intellects. It is their responsibility to protect the vulnerable, but instead they take advantage of them. The psalm today enumerates well those who are weak, i.e. the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the blind, the downcast, the stranger, the widow and the orphan. These people have a special place for the Lord as “…(He) maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor.” (Psalms 140:12) This is well-illustrated in the first reading today, where the welfare of the poor widow and her son was taken care of exactly as prophesised by Elijah. In the Gospel, Jesus contrasted the scribes’ selfrighteousness to the poor widow who gave generously without pompous show of her good deeds. The scribes were self-righteous by parading their pious acts, whilst the poor widow was outpouring her love by giving all she had to live on. Her simple act of charity radiates and speaks volume about her inner piety and God notices the good deeds done in secret. (Matthew 6:4)

The greatest challenge in our journey of faith is to recognise that self-righteousness and unrepentance within us. Both are so intricately connected because whenever we feel complacent with our current level of faith and holiness, we stop progressing. In fact, that journey is a continuous discovery of our own frailty and brokenness, then allowing ourselves to be loved and redeemed by God through on-going repentance. On the other hand, mediocrity is another stumbling block for repentance where we are contented with our own weaknesses and refuse to be transformed while expecting God to accept who we are.

While God does love us at whatever state we are in, He constantly challenges us to move beyond our status quo. That is the epitome of incarnation – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…”, (John 3:16) so that we may become like God; to “…be perfect, as (the) heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) He recognises the fallen nature of human being; our limitations and incapability to reach Him through our own initiative and effort. Therefore, Christ, our high priest came to do away with sin by sacrificing Himself once and for all. (Hebrews 9:26)

Questions for pondering:
• Can I recognise the pharisaic behaviour within me?
• Do I allow Christ to transfigure my weaknesses?
• Am I open to be loved and redeemed by Christ through on-going repentance?