Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

Malachi denounces the priests of Israel who have not only defiled their office  but have also led the people astray with their faulty teaching. The honor given  God’s name by the nations is in sharp contrast with the dishonor accorded it by  the priests. The command given the priests includes a threat of the punishment  that will be exacted if is not followed. The reading does not tell us whether or not  the priests took this condemnation to heart. For us it serves as a reminder that  privileged positions within the community bring with them serious responsibilities. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities will meet with drastic consequences.

The metaphor of the nursing mother characterizes the deep affection Paul  has for his converts. This image also effectively exemplifies apostolic self-giving.  Both the mother and the missionary spend themselves with no thought of receiving anything in return other than the satisfaction of having given themselves out  of love. Paul and his companions were within their rights to expect hospitality  from their converts. However, they chose to forgo this prerogative. Instead, they  proclaimed the gospel as they saw fit, asking for nothing in return. The recompense they receive for their ministry is the religious maturity of their converts,  and for this they are grateful to God. 

Jesus issues a scathing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. While he  recognizes the authenticity of their office, he criticizes them for the obvious disparity between what they teach and how they live. He criticizes their method of  interpreting the law and their love of praise. In their zeal to honor the law, they  placed heavy burdens on the people, and they did nothing to alleviate their  weight. Furthermore, they used outward displays of devotion to garner deferential treatment. Jesus insists that such pomposity has no place among his followers. He warns that those who exalt themselves now will experience ultimate  humiliation; those who humble themselves now will enjoy ultimate exaltation. 

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