Readings for Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary for Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent:[3]
Reading 1: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!
Wash yourselves clean!
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.
Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 1:10, 16-20
This reading from the beginning of the Book 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 the sin of 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 God places 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:[4] Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?"
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
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
Then 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."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 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:
Recall a time in your earlier years when you got into a fight at school with a schoolmate or at home with one of your siblings. The person in authority brought you together with the person with whom you fought and said “Alright, I want you to say you’re sorry and be friends (or shake hands).” Depending upon the depth of the argument or the violence of the fight and the authority figure commanding reconciliation, we responded slowly or quickly with “Okay, I’m sorry” (usually the most insincere statement we could utter, again depending on the circumstances).
This example of insincere actions is analogous to what sacred scripture addresses in the passages we are given today. The Prophet Isaiah attacks the Hebrews for their lack of true contrition. And Jesus is going after the definition of holiness in the Gospel. He is attacking the Scribes and Pharisees for their lack of understanding about what God wants from us.
A couple of times this Lenten season we have heard this injunction, the first time on Ash Wednesday and again more recently. What Jesus is trying to get us to understand is the heart is more important than the rules. Remember how he praises the widow who gives from her need, even though it’s less than the rich give? Remember how he has instructed us not to put on airs when we pray or fast. It is interior change that Christ wants from us.
In the first reading from Isaiah, the Prophet is demanding repentance of the Hebrew people. That call comes to us coupled with Jesus strongly rebuking the religious leaders of his day about exterior enhancements (“All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.”)
If he (Jesus) were here with us today, what would he say about our practice of the faith he left us? Would he sadly shake his head and say, see they fast, but they don’t really fast in their hearts. See, they worship, but it is out of obligation, not out of love for my father. See how they treat one another; is that the word I left them?
Exterior change is easy. We can run down and get a hair cut or buy new cloths and we look like a different person. Changing our interior attitudes is much more difficult and it shows on the outside as well. Change on the inside takes constant work. It happens through conversations with God through his Son in Prayer. It happens by hanging around with the Saints and trying to emulate them. (Don’t we tell our children that who we spend time with will label them?) Who are we spending our time with, American Idol or the Lord?
Today, while our prayer continues to be sincere, we pledge also to act on our words. As a people of faith we will work diligently to insure what we believe is how we are perceived by others.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used today is “Woe to Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary for Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent:[3]
Reading 1: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!
Wash yourselves clean!
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.
Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 1:10, 16-20
This reading from the beginning of the Book 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 the sin of 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 God places 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:[4] Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?"
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
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
Then 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."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 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:
Recall a time in your earlier years when you got into a fight at school with a schoolmate or at home with one of your siblings. The person in authority brought you together with the person with whom you fought and said “Alright, I want you to say you’re sorry and be friends (or shake hands).” Depending upon the depth of the argument or the violence of the fight and the authority figure commanding reconciliation, we responded slowly or quickly with “Okay, I’m sorry” (usually the most insincere statement we could utter, again depending on the circumstances).
This example of insincere actions is analogous to what sacred scripture addresses in the passages we are given today. The Prophet Isaiah attacks the Hebrews for their lack of true contrition. And Jesus is going after the definition of holiness in the Gospel. He is attacking the Scribes and Pharisees for their lack of understanding about what God wants from us.
A couple of times this Lenten season we have heard this injunction, the first time on Ash Wednesday and again more recently. What Jesus is trying to get us to understand is the heart is more important than the rules. Remember how he praises the widow who gives from her need, even though it’s less than the rich give? Remember how he has instructed us not to put on airs when we pray or fast. It is interior change that Christ wants from us.
In the first reading from Isaiah, the Prophet is demanding repentance of the Hebrew people. That call comes to us coupled with Jesus strongly rebuking the religious leaders of his day about exterior enhancements (“All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.”)
If he (Jesus) were here with us today, what would he say about our practice of the faith he left us? Would he sadly shake his head and say, see they fast, but they don’t really fast in their hearts. See, they worship, but it is out of obligation, not out of love for my father. See how they treat one another; is that the word I left them?
Exterior change is easy. We can run down and get a hair cut or buy new cloths and we look like a different person. Changing our interior attitudes is much more difficult and it shows on the outside as well. Change on the inside takes constant work. It happens through conversations with God through his Son in Prayer. It happens by hanging around with the Saints and trying to emulate them. (Don’t we tell our children that who we spend time with will label them?) Who are we spending our time with, American Idol or the Lord?
Today, while our prayer continues to be sincere, we pledge also to act on our words. As a people of faith we will work diligently to insure what we believe is how we are perceived by others.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used today is “Woe to Teachers of the Law and Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
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