Readings for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
This reading from the very first part of Isaiah contains one of what are called the “Law suit” oracles. They are so called because they are framed the same way as charges brought before Jewish courts were published. In this reading the charge leveled at his audience (probably at a feast day) is a reference to Sodom and Gomorrah.
The command the prophet brings is for the people to wash themselves clean, not in the physical sense but in the spiritual sense. Repent from the sin and return to God’s way. Note here the sin is not simply spiritual but of actions. In the same way, repentance is required through action not merely prayer.
The reading concludes with the consequences of the choices before them. If they accept the penitential role and return to God, they will be forgiven and good things will be theirs. If, on the other hand, they do not, eternal death awaits them.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Psalm 50 has what is known as a “Prophetic Liturgy” structure. It was probably used as part of one of the Hebrew feasts (most likely dealing with the renewal of the covenant - Feast of Tabernacles?).
In this selection, although sacrifice is mentioned, it is more the sincerity of those offering homage to God that is in question. (“Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?”). The psalmist calls the people to authentic action that will merit God’s salvation.
Gospel Matthew 23:1-12
The Gospel continues the theme of authentic worship (that is worship that changes the actions of the faithful). Matthew gives us Jesus discourse that upholds the Law of Moses and at the same time chastises those who misuse it. He describes in detail how the scribes and Pharisees burden the people with ritual but do not practice that same law.
The selection concludes with an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority.
Reflection:
Once again today we are given scripture that has a consistent theme that should be very clear to us. We are told that our worship must be authentic, not just for others to see, but from the heart. Further we are told that what we profess must be visible in our actions.
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah we hear the prophet calling the people to repentance. We note with interest that the call to repentance is not asking for prayers of sacrifice or worship. It is asking for actions; “Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.”
Then we move into Psalm 50. Again we hear the prophetic tones – “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you…” It is for insincerity that God takes offense. It is the one who with one side of their mouth proclaims their love of God and on the other professes their hatred for another. We cannot have it both ways. Either we love the Father and our neighbor, or we are like the hypocrites.
To put icing on the cake (For our friends in Canada and Michigan, icing is: a sugary toping placed on deserts, not: the hockey penalty for shooting the puck the length of the ice touched first by the opposition.), the Lord paints a clear picture of the authentic example of faith by contrasting the actions of the scribes and Pharisees. He says clearly that if worship is made a burden, we’ve missed something. If our response to the law does not result in love of God and man, we have become seriously misguided.
Today our prayer is this; that we live our faith in a way that expresses God’s love for us and for those around us. We ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to accomplish this task, because it is difficult. Make us worthy, Lord; to be called your disciples as we continue to empty ourselves of all that displeases you.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Woe to Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
This reading from the very first part of Isaiah contains one of what are called the “Law suit” oracles. They are so called because they are framed the same way as charges brought before Jewish courts were published. In this reading the charge leveled at his audience (probably at a feast day) is a reference to Sodom and Gomorrah.
The command the prophet brings is for the people to wash themselves clean, not in the physical sense but in the spiritual sense. Repent from the sin and return to God’s way. Note here the sin is not simply spiritual but of actions. In the same way, repentance is required through action not merely prayer.
The reading concludes with the consequences of the choices before them. If they accept the penitential role and return to God, they will be forgiven and good things will be theirs. If, on the other hand, they do not, eternal death awaits them.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Psalm 50 has what is known as a “Prophetic Liturgy” structure. It was probably used as part of one of the Hebrew feasts (most likely dealing with the renewal of the covenant - Feast of Tabernacles?).
In this selection, although sacrifice is mentioned, it is more the sincerity of those offering homage to God that is in question. (“Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?”). The psalmist calls the people to authentic action that will merit God’s salvation.
Gospel Matthew 23:1-12
The Gospel continues the theme of authentic worship (that is worship that changes the actions of the faithful). Matthew gives us Jesus discourse that upholds the Law of Moses and at the same time chastises those who misuse it. He describes in detail how the scribes and Pharisees burden the people with ritual but do not practice that same law.
The selection concludes with an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority.
Reflection:
Once again today we are given scripture that has a consistent theme that should be very clear to us. We are told that our worship must be authentic, not just for others to see, but from the heart. Further we are told that what we profess must be visible in our actions.
In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah we hear the prophet calling the people to repentance. We note with interest that the call to repentance is not asking for prayers of sacrifice or worship. It is asking for actions; “Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.”
Then we move into Psalm 50. Again we hear the prophetic tones – “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you…” It is for insincerity that God takes offense. It is the one who with one side of their mouth proclaims their love of God and on the other professes their hatred for another. We cannot have it both ways. Either we love the Father and our neighbor, or we are like the hypocrites.
To put icing on the cake (For our friends in Canada and Michigan, icing is: a sugary toping placed on deserts, not: the hockey penalty for shooting the puck the length of the ice touched first by the opposition.), the Lord paints a clear picture of the authentic example of faith by contrasting the actions of the scribes and Pharisees. He says clearly that if worship is made a burden, we’ve missed something. If our response to the law does not result in love of God and man, we have become seriously misguided.
Today our prayer is this; that we live our faith in a way that expresses God’s love for us and for those around us. We ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to accomplish this task, because it is difficult. Make us worthy, Lord; to be called your disciples as we continue to empty ourselves of all that displeases you.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Woe to Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96
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