November 5, 2023 Reflection

Authentic Spiritual Life

In today’s Gospel Reading taken from In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, offering essential teachings about humility, righteousness, and the dangers of hypocrisy.

After stating in last weekend’s Gospel  that the greatest of God’s commandment are love of God and love of neighbor, today Jesus warns His followers about the religious leaders of the time, the scribes and Pharisees, who, although knowledgeable of the law, often failed to practice what they preached. They were guilty of hypocrisy, putting on a show of righteousness while neglecting matters of the heart.

The message in these verses is clear: humility and genuine righteousness are the keys to a meaningful and authentic relationship with God. Jesus emphasizes that we should not seek titles, honor, or public recognition for our faith. True greatness, in God’s eyes, is not about exalting ourselves but in humbling ourselves to serve others.

Jesus sets a powerful example of humility, stating that “the greatest among you will be your servant.” He calls on us to be servants of one another, emphasizing that the one who exalts themselves will be humbled, and the one who humbles themselves will be exalted.

This message challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we living our faith authentically, with a genuine desire to serve others, or are we more focused on recognition and status? These verses remind us that true spiritual greatness comes from a humble and selfless heart, living out our faith in service to others, and seeking to reflect the love and teachings of Christ in all that we do.

Let us strive to be true Disciples of Christ, embracing humility, righteousness, and a servant’s heart in our journey of faith, knowing that in doing so, we find the path to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and with one another.