Taking the seat on the Chair of Moses

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:1-12*

*First Reading : Ez 43:1-7ab*

*Taking the seat on the Chair of Moses*

*1) Chair of Moses*

Moses’ seat is a name given to a special chair of honor in the synagogue where the authoritative interpreter of the law of Moses was seated. 

In a symbolic sense, sitting in Moses’ seat meant teaching from the books of Moses, the Pentateuch – the first five books of the Bible. 

The scribes were recognized as the exegeses of the law of Moses (Matt 23:2) while the Pharisees were the spokesmen for the unwritten oral law or tradition.

*2) Seating in Moses' chair means the Responsibility*

This is not only the place of position and dignity, but it highlights the gravity of Responsibility of the person who sits in it 

It is not enough to peach and teach from the Chair of Moses but it is very important to live ones life according to the demands of the Chair of Moses

The Chair of Moses mainly highlights the importance of service to others. Chair is for service and not service for Chair 

*3) Requirements of the Chair*

One who sits on the chair of Moses needs to fulfil the following things

Should be a upright person

Need to practice in life what one preaches to others 

Need to guide people in the Right direction

Need to take risk for the sake of the people of God 

Need to be a service minded person 

Need to inspire people to do good 

Need to face challenges and at times persecution from others 

*4) Moses' seat in our daily Life*

All of us, in one way or the another, are seated on the chair of Moses

So we need to live like Moses, who always listened to God, and obeyed Him. 

 Here Chair only highlights about the responsibility that we have to do, in our families and in the surroundings. 

*5) Misuse of the Chair*

The Scribes and Pharisees misused the chair of Moses

Moses' Chair had a great dignity and authority. Scribes and Pharisees used this authority to control people and to enjoy the maximum benefits 

*6) How will I use the Chair?*

One of the important questions to reflect about our own life and the Chair 

When one gets the Chair the real nature comes out. 

What is the role of chair in my life? 

Why the Chair of Moses is important to my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*