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 of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Homily for Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Homily for Monday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. John XXIII
Homily for Tuesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time
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