Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12
When the Church began people gathered in homes to celebrate the Eucharist, simple structures that consisted only of a table and nothing more. No distinctive seating areas, not even a presider's chair. Everyone would sit together around the table for the celebration. This arrangement can still be seen in the humble cave churches that exist in the rural areas of Turkey to this very day.
In contrast, the great cathedrals and basilicas such as Haga Sophia present a much different arrangement. There, the bishop has his exclusive cathedra, the emperor his private entrance, the empress her own balcony, and the clergy their exclusive seating in the apse. The common folk find themselves far away from the altar.
Which image reflects more faithfully the lesson Jesus wishes to convey to us in today's Gospel portion? Which structure is more suitable in conveying to us the way we ought to live as disciples of the Lord Jesus? Lent reminds us that we are to be like the simple cave altar, among the community providing nourishment of body and spirit to all who are hungry for bread and God's word.
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