Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

The scribes and Pharisees have legitimate authority to teach God’s law, even Jesus acknowledges this fact. Yet, the sobering reality is that he is challenging every disciple to consider whether his or her preaching is in accordance with one’s practices, whether one’s actions harmonize with one’s words. Do our lives match the Gospel we proclaim?

There is a significant problem when our life becomes disintegrated and disconnected. Scandal in the Church can undo in overnight what it takes years to build up. And, if our words are going to make any impact, then we need to be disciples of Jesus Christ who possess integrity.

I remember experiencing the pain of seeing the abuse scandals in the Church unfolding in the news during the same time I was discerning entering seminary. A fraternity brother of mine would criticize the Church and laugh at me, asking: “Why go to Church, it’s just filled with hypocrites and sinners?” It was his way of dismissing organized religion and pointing out the corruption. The hypocrite upholds a moral standard in speech, but acts contrary to that standard in practice.

It’s true that the Church is filled with sinners. The Church herself remains holy, but Church is for sinners. The sick need a physician. The reason we go to Mass is because we are sinners and we want to receive the forgiveness of Jesus to participate in His redemption, His forgiveness.

It takes humility to repent of one’s sinfulness and recognize our need for God. Yet, we must always ask God to purify our hearts so that we act with honesty and integrity. This purification is the constant aim of those who are walking in the footsteps of the Divine Physican.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB