TUESDAY OF 2nd WEEK OF LENT

                   TUESDAY OF 2nd WEEK OF LENT

1.Isaiah1: 10,16-20

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

                   REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATIONS

" God uses the good people and the bad people use God"

One of the U.S.A actor, James Stewart said in one of his films, " God uses the good people and the bad people use God." We are all to an extent "good people," in so far as we often abide  ourselves to the will of God, and we are also all to a degree " bad people" in so far as we take advantage of our religion, and use God for our own ends.

Today's gospel highlights the unpleasant fact that we are often scandalized by the behavior of certain leaders in the church and in our parish community at large. In the gospel of today, Jesus chides the scribes  and Pharisees for their showy practices. In some models they wanted to become good models for the observant Jews. Unfortunately their good intentions were misguided for they sought honor for themselves not for the glory of God. They were more of a burden than a help to people in their struggles and difficulties. They were not aware of the harm they were forcing on people.

The two readings aim at leaders responsible for the administration of their communities. Isaiah urges the nation's rules on behalf of the powerless and poor to" learn to do good." and redress the wronged, hear the orphan's pleas, defend the widow." Jesus exhorts the leaders " to walk the talk" or practice what they preach by giving good examples. The position the hold is not a position of power but the position of service. " The greatest among you must be your servant." As Jesus come to serve must be His disciples.

The call to service is not only for leaders but for all Christians as well. We can describe three types of Christians namely: 1) The rowboat Christians - These need to be pushed wherever they go they serve because they are obliged to do so. 2) The sail boat Christians-  They serve because it pleases them and they get favor in return. 3) The steam boat Christians- These make up their minds where they ought to go regardless of wind or weather, they serve willingly and gladly in season and out of season. For them it is an outward expression of their love and gratitude to God.

In our daily life sometimes we tend to be like Scribes and Pharisees. We are overzealous in doing things  and fail to realize that we do more damage than good to our brothers and sisters. Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to possess godly humility, and simplicity of heart, so that by our service we can be a cause of joy to the people we serve and not stumbling blocks to their faith in God. Thus the season of Lent is a grace -filled time. It calls us to make changes in our life. " Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord."(  Isaiah 1:18)