Am I practicing the Spirituality of the Scribes and Pharisees?

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : First Week: Friday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 5:20-26*

*FIRST READING - Ez 18:21-28*

*Am I practicing the Spirituality of the Scribes and Pharisees?*

*1)  The Aspect of External Show*

This is one of the main things, which we see in the spirituality of the Scribes and Pharisees

Therefore they wanted a market place to show their spirituality

*Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts*- Luke 20:46

Do I follow this principle in my life?? Is this scribe and Pharisee found in my life?

*2) The attitude of finding fault with others*

This is also another important aspect we see in scribes and Pharisees. 

They always find fault with others and think that they are always right 

They also tried to find fault with Jesus. But they could not succeed. 

*Some Pharisees were trying to find fault with Jesus. They watched him closely. They wanted to see if he would heal the man on the Sabbath day.* Mark  3:2.

Is this Pharisee and scribe found in me? 

*3) The attitude of trapping some one*

This is also seen in the life of Pharisees and scribes 

They tried many times to trap Jesus, because they considered Jesus as a threat to their existence

*Then the Pharisees left the place where Jesus was teaching. They made plans to trap Jesus with a question.* Mathew 22:15

How about this attitude in my life? Am I influenced by this scribe and Pharisee in my life?

*4) The Hypocrisy of scribes and Pharisees*

Their attitude is highly influenced by hypocrisy

Therefore Jesus calls they hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, blind men, fools etc 

Hypocrisy is duplicity of life, where people try to show what they are not 

*Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to*. Mathew 23:13

What is the level of hypocrisy in my life?

*5) We need to surpass this spirituality or righteousness*

Jesus clearly says that, unless we surpass the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will never entre the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Am I ready to take efforts to move from this spirituality to reach another level of Spirituality? 

*6) Lent is a special time to surpass the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees*

Lent is a special time for all of us to surpass the spirituality that of the Scribes and Pharisees and to practice the spirituality of the following things 

Spirituality of forgiveness

Spirituality of reconciliation

Spirituality of Humility

Spirituality of respect for others 

Spirituality of understanding

Spirituality of adjustment

Spirituality of love and concern 

Am I ready to adopt this spirituality to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*