"They widen their phylacteries and make their fringes broad."
Matthew 23: 1-12
The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm
I remember distinctly during my seminary years, there was a fellow seminarian who never referred to his parents as Mom or Dad. He would simply use their first names, rather than speak of them in parental terms. He always seemed to do so at first I wondered, “Who are these people he keeps mentioning during conversation.”
When I found out these two folks were his mom and dad, I was taken back. I could never imagine using my parents’ first names without identifying them in that role. This friend of mine was not adopted, he has a brother and sister who did the same! Finally, I was able to meet them, great folks and good family it was just a custom apparently to speak only in first names regardless of the relationship. No titles or special position identifier. That seminarian, a classmate of mine, is a very good priest.
Today’s Gospel may have been something they read about in Jesus’ warning to avoid titles such as “Father” or “Rabbi” or “Teacher.” Yet, as always, there is something more here in these words of our Lord. Something that very much should model our lives in keeping with the Christian Gospel and especially, in our exercise of authority. That of servant leadership, a concept not unfamiliar.
The words power, authority, ego, praise, popularity, notoriety, position are words which mark success. One is simply not given such privileges on a gold platter but rather you have to work hard, to be committed, to have a single focus and unfortunately, sometimes take advantage of others in order to get ahead. Unless you’re born into a royal family and find yourself next in line for the throne such self-aggrandizement (self-promotion) takes a conscious effort. But, how quickly wealth, power, position can “go to your head” as the expression states.
Nowhere in this Sunday’s Gospel does Jesus imply we should not speak of our parents in parental terms as father and mother; he himself spoke of Mary as his mother and cousins and family members as the custom was, as brothers and sisters.
But rather, his anger at the Jewish law protectors, the Scribes, and the Jewish teachers and enforcers, the Pharisees, was not their position but rather their abuse of power over the people, their hypocrisy, and the unrealistic and legalistic expectation of the people, something they never intended to live by themselves. They are far more concerned about being noticed, praised, given accolades and important authoritative titles, than they are about becoming the words they speak. They worshiped themselves rather than the true God. Ouch!
So, our Lord’s warning about avoiding such titles is a reminder that in his view, these disciples and some to be apostles who would be given authority over people as teachers and missionaries are to avoid such behavior as the Pharisees. So, listen to what they say because of the position they hold, but never “do what they do.” They have abused the titles and authority passed on to them, no matter how hard they may have worked to achieve it. They flaunt even religious reminders on their clothing such as exaggerated fringes and larger phylacteries and they seek places of honor before others, and self-serving praise to come their way. They must have been quite a spectacle to behold. Like peacocks strutting on the lawn, colorful tail feathers wide open.
Rather, Jesus himself is the true teacher, rabbi, and we have our Father in heaven as the only “father.” So, they, and we in our own way, teach in the name of Christ, we serve in the name of Christ, the Church does not belong to us as if it was our personal invention. We are here to lead by example, to enforce only what we ourselves would be willing to likewise “carry.” We are servants of the Lord in his Church and if we do so with the right measure of humility and self-sacrifice, we will be deserving of special titles given to us but titles and positions that should never be sought for.
If a member of the clergy ever admitted the whole goal of his priesthood was aimed at becoming a Bishop or a Cardinal of the Church, lusting for authority and public recognition over others, I would run far away from Father "Wonderful." I say that as a fellow priest. This is an example you can apply in other ways of life as well.
So, this passage penned by Matthew who was in the midst of a Jewish community of early Christian converts who followed Jesus as the Messiah but whose leaders were evidently not among the most admirable, teaches several basic truths. 1. That to Christian leaders must recognize that humility is the guiding principle. 2. That the greatest among them are the ones who serve, the "servant leaders" who live what they preach. 3.That the purpose of true authority is to: instruct, guide, and edify. 4. That to be humble and servant hearted as Jesus models, distinguishes the Christians from the pagan world around them.
Parents should never be overbearing on their children or spouses be dictatorial over each other demanding from the other, treating them as inferior or more like a slave than an equal partner. I exaggerate a bit, but it makes a point.
It is not without purpose that the Church holds up the humble and simple pastor of souls St. John Vianney as the patron saint of all priests. Or praises the young Carmelite St. Therese of Liseux, as the greatest saint of modern times. Or St. Andre Bessette for his humility as a porter (door keeper) in the front office of a Canadian Catholic University where he was able to work many healings through the intercession of St. Joseph. Or even the Blessed Mother as the greatest of all the saints for her humble surrender to the will of God. She never stopped saying “yes” to God throughout her life.
There is no doubt of Jesus’ intention as we hear in his closing statement to his disciples: "All who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Almighty and merciful God,
by whose gift your faithful offer you
right and praiseworthy service
grant that we may hasten
without stumbling to receive the things
you have promised.
(Collect of Mass)
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