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Wednesday 28th
Week OT
The Institute
October 14, 2015
DANGERS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Institutions, and I would include the Church,
are in constant danger from within
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The danger is of spending more time and effort
on their own preservation and convenience than on the service of their members
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Pope Francis has often reminded priests and
bishops of this danger
WOES
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The results of such actions of preservation and
convenience occupy Jesus as he utters the woes in today’s Gospel
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“Woe”
when so much attention and time are given to minutiae, to little
matters which are so insignificant in the big picture
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“Woe” to the preoccupation with legalism
that only serve to distance, even the well intentioned
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“Woe” to those who become so concerned about honor
and respect regarding seats in the assembly
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“Woe” to those in authority who make demands
that only burden the faithful
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minutiae, legalism, honor and respect, burden
APPLICATION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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While it would be easy to dismiss such judgments
as applying to ourselves, today we might instead pause
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Let us look at our own more humble circumstances
and ask:
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Where do I press minutiae in my
relationships?
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Where do I hold fast regarding a legal
nuance in judging another?
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When do I go for the best or the better
seat at the table?
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What demands or heavy burdens do I
make on friends or family members?
CONCLUSION
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What began as a soul searching for Jewish
religious leaders …
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Comes to us today as followers of Jesus
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How might we respond?
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