Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week

(Galatians 5:18-25; Luke 11: 42-46)

Part of Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees in today’s gospel defies understanding.  Obviously he is upset with them for paying attention to small things while not attending to important matters.  He also takes aim at their seeking attention like politicians before an election.  But what does he mean by saying that they are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk?

Mothers may admonish their children at the cemetery not to walk over anyone’s grave, but this is not the abuse that Jesus has in mind here.  Rather he is saying that the Pharisees are like open graves over which people can unknowingly try to walk.  Falling into the graves the people hurt themselves.  Jesus is saying that the Pharisees give bad example which people unwittingly follow to their detriment.

We should be careful not to give bad example.  Sometimes older people cohabitate rather than marry in order not to lose a dead spouse’s pension.  But doesn’t the practice indicate that money is more important than marriage?  As Christ’s disciples, we should strive to set good example to all, especially our young.