After Jesus continues to call out those Pharisees who follow their own will and put themselves in the place of honor instead of God, one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”
Jesus did not soften his words or hold back. He went right at the scholar and convicted him as well, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them” (Lk 11;45-46).
Jesus is clear about his mission, about what the kingdom of God is not and what it is. Jesus is shining a light on the practices of those Pharisees and the scholars of the law that are not fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. I believe that there were those who were. Yet, for those he challenged, he did so in the hope that they would see the darkness that was blinding them. Unfortunately, unlike Bartimaeus (see Mk 10:46-52) who knew that he was blind and wanted to see, this is not true for these whom Jesus confronted.
How about us? Are we aware of our blind spots? Are we willing to allow Jesus to shine his light and love in our direction? Will we cover our eyes because the light is too bright and withdraw further into the shadows, or will we remain still and allow our eyes time to adjust so that the brightness of the Mystery of God will reveal to us that which has kept us bound? Will we justify, or rationalize our behavior or those of others that we know are sinful, or will we be transparent, repent, believe in the Gospel, and walk further into the light and the embrace of Jesus?
Let us resist the path of those Pharisees and scholars of the Law who imposed heavy burdens without being willing to help others along the way. We do need to know the law, the Catechism, the Bible, Canon Law, participate in the sacraments and be people of prayer and service, all doing so for the purpose of coming to know Jesus and the love he shares with the Father who is the Holy Spirit. We have been created for nothing less than to participate in the very love of God, to become divine through our participation in the life of Jesus. This love and relationship with God increases as we share what we have received with others.
Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. He was actually much more demanding than the Pharisees or the scribes. The difference is, Jesus invites us into his divine relationship to empower us so that we can also fulfill the prescriptions and practices that God has commanded. Doing so is not for God’s sake but for ours! God’s divine law is in place so that we can experience freedom from the false truths, diversions, distractions, and attachments that we have fallen for. Meditating upon God’s law and putting it into practice is like a tree planted near fresh water that will never wither and fade. Our roots that run deep will continue to receive nourishment and sustenance even in times of drought, challenge, and trials.
Jesus beckons us to come out from the shadows and into the radiance of his light. As we experience his love and mercy, he encourages us to continue to move out of our comfort zones and complacency so that we may encounter others with the same love and mercy we have received. Jesus does not expect us to live the life he challenges us to aspire to all on our own power. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing, but with Jesus all things are possible.
Photo: Enjoying some quiet time of breathing, praying, and walking with Jesus and Mary. Rosary walk, Vero Beach.
Spiritual Stepping Stones