Daily Reflections ...

I can relate to this passage, warning about displaying an outward sign of holiness that covers internal sinfulness. My mother would label this a ‘holier than thou’ attitude, which many of us have witnessed or experienced in the Church and in our own lives.

This passage is part of a passionate tirade of Jesus as he denounces the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees. For context, ‘whitewashed tombs’ in this passage is a reference to a custom of the Jewish people to identify gravesites more clearly so that they would not become ritually unclean through accidental contact with the dead. Jesus is using this practice to point out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who are displaying visible piety and ‘cleanliness’ while succumbing to corruption and internal ‘dirtiness.’

Pope Francis has stated many times that the Church is a hospital for sinners, not a reward for the holy. It is in our sinfulness that Jesus walks with us all the way to Calvary. I am generally aware of my sinfulness, but I find that I am often generously humbled by the Lord when I forget. As much as I try to live a Christ-like life, I also need to reject false piety and hypocrisy. We will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, not because we have maintained a pious façade, but rather when our hearts truly align with and express Gospel values.

+ Jesus, help us live as we ought, without hypocrisy or pride. Help us acknowledge our sinfulness, and cleanse that which is sinful within. May we live with humility, authenticity and integrity. Amen.

by Nick Kelly