St Hedwig or Sr Margaret Mary Alacoque
Readings:
Galatians: 5:18-25
Luke 11:42-46
Reflection:
Why do you do what you do?
Today, Jesus is challenging each of us to examine that very important question – why do we do what we do?
I don’t know if it is the words Jesus uses or the fact that Jesus challenges the Pharisees in a public forum that grabs my attention.
Jesus warns the Pharisees not to make life worse for those whom they are meant to be helping. The letter of law must not override our Christian spirit: law is meant to serve people well. When one of the scholars spoke up and said: “Teacher, you are insulting us.” This did not make Jesus stop, rather continue to stating “Woe to you scholars of the law. You impose heavy burdens on the people that are difficult and painful. Yet you do not lift a finger to touch them!”
I am sure this can be applicable to loads of other professions, where all are called to serve the needy and less fortunate: in law, medicine, science, the arts, construction, hospitality, etc… only when in all these professions a kinder justice, a greater love for our neighbours, and overall generous fairness is present, can we move to a better society.
The invitation is to take a moment to put yourself in the shoes of the Pharisees. How would you react to such a public and scathing tongue lashing? Jesus does not mince any words. The reality is: We all have “a Pharisee” within us. It naturally comes with our human condition. The challenge for us is to recognise when our internal Pharisee is activated. Returning back to our beginning question – why do you do what you do?
Sr Karen Englebretsen CP, Cross and Passion Sisters. blessed to be a spiritual care worker in the homeless sector in Melbourne.