In the Gospel Reading, Jesus criticized the religious leaders of His time for serving themselves by putting forward their agendas and self-interests at the expense of serving God and His people. Jesus upheld the authority of the people's religious leaders as the successors of Moses. However, He warned the people to do what they said but not to imitate their actions because they did not practice what they preached. He condemned the Pharisees' misinterpretation of Mosaic Law, their excessive show of piety that was only a sham to put them in a good light, and their delight in being honored and singled out for praise, putting themselves above the ordinary people.
Our priests who serve Jesus's New Covenant Kingdom should reflect on these readings as a constructive critique of priests, their ministry, and their leadership within the family of the Church. Do they fulfill their obligation to teach both the blessings for the obedience of faith and the warnings of punishments for covenant failure? Do they inspire their parishioners to holiness? Do they excuse or neglect to preach about certain sins that have become socially accepted practices, or do they have the moral courage to speak out against the mortal sins that secular society embraces, like fornication (sex outside of marriage), adultery, and abortion?
As for those of us in the congregation of the faithful, we should strive to support our priests, offer constructive criticism in love when needed, and encourage them spiritually and emotionally in their ministry. We should also remember that our priests are imperfect human beings like the rest of us and pray for them to succeed in their calling and to find peace and fulfillment in their service.
Michal E Hunt, Copyright © 2014; revised 2023 Agape Bible Study; used with permission
