Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading I: 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: 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
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 burden the people with ritual but do not practice that same law. The complaint is twofold, fist is the rigor with which the law is interpreted (“They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders”) and second is hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees (“All their works are performed to be seen.”) (see also Matthew 6:1-8, 16:18).
The selection continues with an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority. “These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title "Rabbi' has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:7), the implication is that Father and "Master' also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew's church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts . . . will be exalted: cf Luke 14:11.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Scripture has forced us to look at the difference between being a Christian and simply an ethical and moral person; it now forces us to confront our own hypocrisy. We, who call ourselves Catholic Christians, follow a rigorous discipline of faith (although only five Precepts of Faith might not seem that rigorous to some). Still, when compared to other Christian denominations, we are called to a more disciplined observance. Yet in this observance there are some assumptions that are frequently overlooked.
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. Attendance at Mass presumes that we come in a spirit of common worship and that we are keeping the day of the Lord holy – a day of thanksgiving. Secular tradition has forced many of us to do servile labor (work for our livelihood) on Sundays and for this dispensation is given. However, have we not overlooked the need to give thanks to God and observe his day in thanksgiving for his creation?
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. This once a year check-up is the minimum, still, do we accept God’s reiteration of his love and forgiveness regularly. Do we see it as an obligation or as an opportunity?
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. In a sense, this guarantees that we will not carry sin with us for an inordinate amount of time. Reception of Communion is predicated upon “correct disposition” i.e. having been reconciled to God and having laid all grievous sins before him and having accepted absolution.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. Observing these fasts and days of abstinence are not just so we can feel uncomfortable or righteous but so that we can reflect upon those who have no food and consider the sacrifice of Christ who died so our sins might be forgiven – he gave up so much for us, what can we give up for him?
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. How many times have we said – “the budget is too tight, I’ll try to catch up later” or “this is all I can give”? What about the non-monetary support? Can we augment our giving of financial gifts with gifts of labor? We ask some much and give so little in the broader scheme.
These minimums are too much for many who call themselves Catholic; yet before we cast judgment on those who do not do even these minimums, we need to look first at ourselves. There is an underlying holiness that is called for. It is the daily practice of our faith as it relates to our brothers and sisters that opens the door to genuine worship of God in Christ. It is an attitude of love – of God and of others, that must drive our discipline. Who among us has completely succeeded in that endeavor? Who among us (with widened phylacteries and lengthened tassels) may look down upon those who have failed in other areas?
Today we pray that we might look first at our own relationship with Christ and ask for his help in deepening our love of him so that we can put on his mantle and continue his work effectively.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is the Papal Seal
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[4] See NAB footnote on Matthew 23:8-12
Readings for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading I: 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: 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
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 burden the people with ritual but do not practice that same law. The complaint is twofold, fist is the rigor with which the law is interpreted (“They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders”) and second is hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees (“All their works are performed to be seen.”) (see also Matthew 6:1-8, 16:18).
The selection continues with an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority. “These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title "Rabbi' has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:7), the implication is that Father and "Master' also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew's church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts . . . will be exalted: cf Luke 14:11.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Scripture has forced us to look at the difference between being a Christian and simply an ethical and moral person; it now forces us to confront our own hypocrisy. We, who call ourselves Catholic Christians, follow a rigorous discipline of faith (although only five Precepts of Faith might not seem that rigorous to some). Still, when compared to other Christian denominations, we are called to a more disciplined observance. Yet in this observance there are some assumptions that are frequently overlooked.
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. Attendance at Mass presumes that we come in a spirit of common worship and that we are keeping the day of the Lord holy – a day of thanksgiving. Secular tradition has forced many of us to do servile labor (work for our livelihood) on Sundays and for this dispensation is given. However, have we not overlooked the need to give thanks to God and observe his day in thanksgiving for his creation?
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. This once a year check-up is the minimum, still, do we accept God’s reiteration of his love and forgiveness regularly. Do we see it as an obligation or as an opportunity?
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. In a sense, this guarantees that we will not carry sin with us for an inordinate amount of time. Reception of Communion is predicated upon “correct disposition” i.e. having been reconciled to God and having laid all grievous sins before him and having accepted absolution.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. Observing these fasts and days of abstinence are not just so we can feel uncomfortable or righteous but so that we can reflect upon those who have no food and consider the sacrifice of Christ who died so our sins might be forgiven – he gave up so much for us, what can we give up for him?
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. How many times have we said – “the budget is too tight, I’ll try to catch up later” or “this is all I can give”? What about the non-monetary support? Can we augment our giving of financial gifts with gifts of labor? We ask some much and give so little in the broader scheme.
These minimums are too much for many who call themselves Catholic; yet before we cast judgment on those who do not do even these minimums, we need to look first at ourselves. There is an underlying holiness that is called for. It is the daily practice of our faith as it relates to our brothers and sisters that opens the door to genuine worship of God in Christ. It is an attitude of love – of God and of others, that must drive our discipline. Who among us has completely succeeded in that endeavor? Who among us (with widened phylacteries and lengthened tassels) may look down upon those who have failed in other areas?
Today we pray that we might look first at our own relationship with Christ and ask for his help in deepening our love of him so that we can put on his mantle and continue his work effectively.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is the Papal Seal
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[4] See NAB footnote on Matthew 23:8-12
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