The Philosophy of Chair

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:1-12*

*First Reading : Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10*

*SECOND READING - 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13*

*The Philosophy of Chair*

*1) The Role of the Chair*

All of us are familiar with the Chair and we use chair in different situation

But Chair in this particular context refers to a different meaning 

Here Chair represents the concept of Power, position and the responsibly

In our daily life we see the struggle for Chair, especially in the political circles 

Chair also takes a very important place in every ones life 

*2) Chair/Seat of Moses*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Chair or seat of Moses 

Moses’ seat refers to the authority that the scribes and Pharisees hold as teachers of the Law and religious leaders. 

When Moses was Israel's leader he spoke to the people as God's representative and taught them according to the word of God.

*3) The Chair of Moses and the Scribes and the Pharisees*

THE religious leaders in Jesus's day inherited, Moses’ position as the teachers of the Law, but they were so far from God when it came to being examples of love, mercy, and faith. 

They were severe and strict in their interpretations and applications of the Law but they themselves were not subject to those interpretations or applications

There was perfect balance between what he taught and what he practiced, when it comes to Moses. But there is a contradiction, when it comes to the life of Scribes and Pharisees about what they preached and practiced. 

*4) Chair in Christian Spirituality*

In the Christian spirituality chair represents responsibility, service and humility 

Chair is not merely a symbol of power, but power for service and to liberate the neighbor from the bondage of slavery of sin, sickness, poverty and difficulties

Chair is Christianity represents work for the Lord, to build the Kingdom of God, to become shining examples of the Gospel and to work for the mission of the Lord 

*5) Respect for those who are on the Chair*

Jesus says *do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you*

Chair has a place and one who is on the chair should be respected 

At the same time, it is also the responsibility of the person who is on the chair to do his responsibility with utmost sincerity

*6) All of us are on the Chair*

In our day today life, in one way or the other we are on the chair, which make us to think about our responsibility 

Being the parents we are on the chair

Being the leaders of the community we are on the chair

Being the leaders of various associations we are on the chair 

So it calls for us to exercise our duty with utmost sincerity

At the same time we need to remember that 

Chair is not for personal glory

Chair is not for enjoying the power 

Chair is not for manipulating

Chair is not for hidden agenda

Chair is not for exercising ones personal plans 

Chair is not for showing ones talents 

Chair is not for making money 

Chair is for service 

Chair is for good works 

Chair is for showing mercy 

Chair is for showing right direction

Chair is for love

Chair is for Gospel values 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*