Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 23, 1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
They tie up heavy burdens
1. To the crowds and the disciples. This message applies to everyone—whether you’re in ministry or just a baptized Christian. We all face the temptation to seek recognition, to want to stand out or be admired. The real problem begins when our efforts in faith or service become more about boosting our own image than honoring God. This craving for power—the thrill of being noticed—can be destructive for both the Church and the world. A friend once told me, “If you want to truly know someone, give them power.” That thought has stayed with me because it’s so often the case. That’s why Lent is a time to focus on humility and generosity, letting go of the need for control or the spotlight. The desire for power and the urge to show off usually go together.
2. Don’t follow their example. Jesus urges us to avoid the danger that had already started appearing in Judaism back then: a “religion without God.” People no longer acted out of love for God, but to appear righteous and gain approval as if they were religious celebrities. Sadly, this attitude can be found in our faith communities today as well. Let’s remember that everything we do is meant for God’s greater glory, not our own.
3. Humility. At the heart of it all is service. The true value of service is immense. By serving others without expecting anything in return, we overcome the urge for power and the need to impress. It’s our daily actions—treating others kindly, speaking with respect, and knowing when to talk or listen—that build true humility. Serving others helps us grow in humility, and being humble makes us more willing to serve.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
