(Optional Memorial for Saint John XXIII, Pope)
Alternate readings for the Memorial of Saint John XXIII may be taken from Common of Pastors, For a Pope (Matthew 16:13-19; John 21:15-17)
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| “Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Galatians 5:1-6
Commentary on Gal 5:1-6
St. Paul begins addressing the concept of Christian freedom with a statement saying Christians do not need to accept the yoke (slavery) of the law, specifically circumcision. His vehemence stems from his thorough understanding of Mosaic Law. He knows that circumcision, to the Jew, is akin to baptism for the Christian, and once a person has accepted circumcision, they have taken upon themselves the burden of the law ("…bound to observe the entire law.” See also James 2:10).
His visceral statement, “You are separated from Christ,” provides us with a view of the emotion with which this argument is made. By accepting the sign of the Jew (circumcision), the Christian has elected a different path than the one of faith. They seek to earn Christ’s salvation through works of the law, rather than the freedom brought in Christ who removes the burden of the law from them.
CCC: Gal 5 1454; Gal 5:1 1741, 1748; Gal 5:3 578; Gal 5:6 162, 1814
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
R. (41a) Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
Commentary on Ps 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
Psalm 119 is a hymn in praise of the law and those who keep it. While at times, within its structure, it takes the form of an individual lament and at others a song of praise, the strophes presented in this reading emphasize its main theme: praise for the Law of Moses and those who follow it. We see this passage as ironic, given the St. Paul's criticism, and the Lord's challenge to the Pharisees that frame it today.
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Gospel: Luke 11:37-41
Commentary on Lk 11:37-41
St. Luke regularly associates Jesus with the Pharisees. In this case, Jesus is again dining with a member of that group. The Lord is challenged for his failure to observe the strict ritual cleansing required by pharisaic law. In response, he chastises the Pharisee for mistaking external hygiene for purity of spirit, saying that it is more important to demonstrate spiritual purity, especially through giving alms for the poor, than acts of religiosity for the sake of appearance (see also Matthew 23 and Mark 12:38).
As in Matthew 23:26ff, the final part of this section is concerned with “…a metaphor illustrating a concern for appearances while inner purity is ignored (see also Mark 7:4)”[4]. There is a strong reference here to the lack of self-control shown by these leaders.
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Reflection:
The poor Pharisee who invited Jesus into his home, little did he expect what he received. He invited a prominent Rabbi, a teacher, into his home, and displayed his surprise when Jesus did not perform the ritualized purification of the hands before sitting down to eat (probably a late lunch).
Seeing his condescension, Jesus teaches the lesson about the importance of spiritual purity above ritual purity once more. It is an important lesson for us Catholics. We place a lot of emphasis on ritual in our worship, and the general practice of our faith discipline. It’s easy for us to fall into the trap of the Pharisee, and start judging others based upon how scrupulously they follow the rituals we think are necessary for holiness. We forget that much of what we do is based not so much on dogma as on tradition.
Of course, as in all matters of faith, there is a line we walk between rationalizing that we are not obligated to follow tradition (e.g. “After all, I am a good person and have a good relationship with God even if I don’t go to Mass.”) and becoming judgmental, for instance, without trying to understand what other things might be affecting a person who didn’t attend Mass. On the one hand, weekly Mass attendance is a precept of the Church, and required of the faithful. On the other, one who is physically or emotionally unable to attend, such as a person who has experienced a profound loss [relationship or death] so that Mass attendance is too painful, can receive absolution.
Without getting into this complex issue too deeply, let us just say that the next time we see a person not following our ritualized traditions, let us not rush to judgment lest the Lord later look at us and cry “hypocrite.” For ourselves, let us focus on that interior cleanliness that makes all other things clean.
Pax
[2] The image used is “Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees” by James Tissot, 1886-96
[4] See NAB footnote on Matthew 23:26
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