Once again, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is expressing His displeasure with the Pharisees and goes after them for their efforts at attaining status within their society. Public honor and status were highly prized in the culture of the time. Most of the generous giving for public parks, baths, and temples was not so much to provide for the people but with gaining honor among the people. The donor’s name would be clearly inscribed for all to see. In a sense, things haven’t really changed very much since that time. People still seek status.
Jesus never sought honor or prestige for Himself, nor did He want His followers to look for it, even though they were prone to doing so, each one competing to appear important.
The mother of James and John wanted her sons to have the most prominent seats in the kingdom of God. But according to Jesus, we should direct all honor to God and not seek it for ourselves or our families. All the good things we do should be for the honor of God and not to for our own glory. At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus invites us to, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” +
Homily for Monday in the Octave of Easter
Homily for Easter Sunday
Homily for Good Friday
Homily for Holy Thursday
Homily for Wednesday of Holy Week
Homily for Tuesday of Holy Week
Homily for Monday of Holy Week
Homily for Passion (Palm) Sunday
Homily for Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the LORD
Homily for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
Monday of the 5th Week of Lent
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent
Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
Homily for the Memorial of St. Patrick
Homily for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
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