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 the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Homily for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent
Homily for the Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
Homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for the Memorial of St. Ambrose
Homily for Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
Homily for Monday of the 1st Week of Advent
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent
Homily for the Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle
Homily for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Solemnity of Christ the King
Homily for Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and His Companions
Homily for Thanksgiving Day
Homily for the Memorial of St. Cecilia
Homily for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)