Sunday, November 5, 2023 - Will you let people hear what you do rather than what you say? How?

To read the texts click on the texts: Mal 1:14-2:2,8,10;  1Th 2:7-9,13; Mt 23:1-12

Three common themes may be seen to run through the first reading and the Gospel text of today. These are the dichotomy between word and action; being a scandal and so causing others to stumble and actions must be performed without expectation of reward.

In the first reading the prophet Malachi speaking on behalf of God, condemns those who say one thing and do another. They attempt to cheat God by keeping for themselves what is good and offering to God what is tainted. This same theme is taken up by Jesus in the Gospel text of today when he condemns the teachers of the law for the gulf between their word and action. Moses’ seat is a metaphorical expression representing the teaching and administrative authority of the synagogue leadership, scribes and Pharisees. Jesus condemns only the practice of the scribes and Pharisees and not their teaching. The Matthean Jesus makes three points. The first is that they say but do not do, the second is that they burden while failing to act themselves and the third is that they act for the wrong reasons: to make an impression on others. “Phylacteries” is the term Matthew uses for the tephillin, which were small leather boxes containing portions of the Torah (Exod 13,1-16; Deut 6,4-9; 11,13-32) strapped to the forehead and arm during the recitation of prayers in literal obedience to Deut 6,8. The “tassels” were attached to the prayer shawls, and the most important seats in the synagogue refer to the place of honour at the front facing the congregation, occupied by teachers and respected leaders. The term “Rabbi” was a title of honour.

Just as the priests at the time of Malachi were responsible for leading other astray because of their scandalous deeds, so the religious leaders at the time of Jesus led people away from rather than to God. People were misled into believing that external worship was all important and that internal worship or worship of the heart was of no consequence. They were given the impression that outward show was all that mattered.

In his teaching to the community of disciples and those who wish to follow him, the Matthean Jesus then goes on to explicate what life in his community means. The fact is that for his community, God is Father and so benevolent, compassionate and kind. Consequently, the community of disciples are brothers and sisters and must live as such. All are equal and if one wants to be superior in any way, this superiority must be shown in service rather than domination. It is Jesus who as Messiah has shown the way forward. In Jesus’ world view, authority is and can only be for service.

Paul understood this, as is evident in his address to the Christian community at Thessalonica. He and his fellow-workers went above and beyond the call of duty when they shared the word of God with them. They were able to see as their reward the privilege of sharing that word and needed nothing in return. If there was to be a reward it was that the Community accepted their proclamation as having been inspired by God and letting it affect their lives in a positive way.

The readings of today are calling for a correlation between our words and our actions. It is easy to say, but difficult to do, it is easy to preach but difficult to practice. The way to ensure that there is a correlation between the two is to first do and then say, or better to let people hear not what we say but what we do. If we do this, then we will inspire others and lead them to God rather than away from him. We will be inspiration and not scandal. They are also calling us realise that our call to live this life is a privilege and honour and that living it, is all the reward we will even need.