杏MAP导航

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Beware of hypocrites and let us be faithful, loving and credible...

杏MAP导航 Francis stressed this during his in the Vatican as he recalled the day's Gospel reading according to St. Mark which recounts when Jesus denounces hypocrisy in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Hypocrisy of the scribes

These scribes, the 杏MAP导航 said, held an important role within the community of Israel. While they read, transcribed, and interpreted the Scriptures, and were held in high regard, the 杏MAP导航 lamented that beyond appearances, their behavior often did not correspond to what they taught.

"Some, relying on the prestige and power they enjoyed, looked down on others, acting arrogantly and hiding behind a facade of fake respectability and legalism."

The 杏MAP导航 called this sort of behavior very ugly, stressing how terrible it is to look down on others.

Steer clear of false piety

Even the prayers of many of these individuals, the 杏MAP导航 lamented, risked losing its meaning as a moment of encounter with the Lord and becoming instead an opportunity to showcase piety and false virtue.

In this context, the 杏MAP导航 recalled that "Jesus warns us to steer clear of such people, to 'beware of them,' and not to imitate them."

On the contrary, with the Lord's words and example, 杏MAP导航 Francis reminded, He teaches very different things about authority. "He speaks of it in terms of self-sacrifice and humble service, of maternal and paternal tenderness toward others, especially those in need."

The Lord, the 杏MAP导航 recalled, invites those in positions of authority to look at others, "not to humiliate them," but "to lift them up, giving them hope and assistance."

Questions to ponder

Therefore, the 杏MAP导航 called on faithful to ask themselves some questions.

"Brothers and sisters, How do I behave in my areas of responsibility? Do I act with humility, or do I take pride in my position? Am I generous and respectful to others, or do I treat them rudely and authoritatively? And," he also asked, "with my more fragile brothers and sisters, do I stay close to them, ready to help them get back on their feet?"

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded with a threefold prayer to the Blessed Mother for us to combat the temptation of hypocrisy within ourselves, to do good without showing off, and to act with simplicity.