Next Sunday’s Gospel reading finds Jesus on familiar ground: ragging on the religious leaders. This time it is the scribes who have raised his hackles. He has been in an extended exchange with scribes seeking his learned opinion on several matters – or trying to entrap him. Maybe he’s had enough, for he does not mince words:
As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
Jesus doesn’t use the term “vipers” here, as he elsewhere calls some Pharisees – but he’s lambasting these scribes for acting like VIPs. I suppose we’ve all known clergy like this, who take as given their country-club memberships and access to the halls of power. These scribes seem to have expected and exploited the elevated status accorded them as religious leaders. Perhaps the fact that their power was so very limited, under the ever-present thumb of the Roman occupiers, made them all the more eager to take on airs.
Those who have been given the power of high position have extra responsibility to regard themselves as no better than those whom they serve. We all know that, but privilege is deeply seductive. It is human nature to enjoy it.
I believe true humility comes from seeing ourselves as God sees us – as beloved sinners, redeemed royalty, capable of tremendous good and immense damage. When we know how loved we are despite our flaws, we are better able to love others instead of using them to make us feel important. That’s a prayer for today: “Lord God, show me who you see when you look at me.” It’s always surprising.
Tomorrow we will go to the polls and elect leaders to serve us. In most cases, we are electing members of municipal boards and lower-level officials. But everyone who offers herself for elected office, and anyone who exercises his right to vote, would do well to remember Jesus’ advice:
Take the worst seats, greet people with humility before they have a chance to butter you up, seek justice - and keep your prayers short!
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