False Loyalties

Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12

The readings today are harsh condemnations heaped upon religious leaders for their continual betrayals of the people and the hypocrisy they offer.  The outward show of ornate distinctive garb hides the crimes and sins of the institution that betrays the trust of its own people.  That we continue to enable such to occur is indicative of the fact that we get the clerics we deserve in our lives.  

But Jesus has a remedy: stop the cults of personality and false loyalties to institutions.  We have one Father in heaven, and we have only one authentic model of our faith and life in the Lord Jesus.  Jesus alone is the perfect embodiment in deed of all that he taught in word.  He preached mercy and love, and he extended mercy and love to all people without exception.  

So we are to continue to find nourishment at the table of the Lord where the example of Jesus is continually re-enacted and remembered.  Let that be our constant focus and guide for our lives for it will never disappoint us.  Cults of personality and institution will always disappoint, but the life and example of Jesus alone bring us life and inspiration.