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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Monday 21st
Week OT
St. Luke’s Institute
August 25, 2014
RELIGIOUS PHARISEES
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In a short homily it’s impossible to go into all
the background of today’s Gospel
Ø
It should be stressed, though, that the picture
of the Pharisees we get here is very one-sided
Ø
In their origins the Pharisees were a movement
w/i Judaism to encourage devout following of the Law
DANGER IN RELIGIOUS
PEOPLE +++++++++++++++++++
Ø
The abuses condemned in Matthew point up a
danger for all religious people: Christians, Jews, all
Ø
The danger is the temptation to present a
religious appearance which lacks substance or reality
Ø
Put another way, it’s the problem of the split
between what religious people say & what they do
MAKING IMPRESSIONS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Our translation has Jesus call the Pharisees “hypocrites”
Ø
Inevitably our religious ideals are going to
above and ahead of what we actually do
Ø
This is to be expected
Ø
The problem comes in our trying to give the
impression that we are perfectly fulfilling religious demands…
Ø
When, in fact, we lack the humility to recognize
our failures / (splinter vs beam)
INTEGRITY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
When our behavior corresponds with our beliefs
and ideals, we have what we call “integrity”
Ø
Integrity is derived from the Latin meaning
“whole”
Ø
One w/ integrity is unified around central focus
Ø
Reaching complete integrity is sanctity
Ø
However, until we get there, (1) Honesty
requires we don’t make false claims for ourselves either in our talk or in our behavior…
Ø
(2) And that we recognize our shortcomings, ask
forgiveness, and put our trust in the One who alone can make us whole
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Each morning we gather at this altar, this
desire is part of what we bring here…
Ø
And, hopefully, what we take to our rooms
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
