Jesus challenges us today to surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. It is not enough merely to know the law or follow it externally. In Matthew 23, Jesus describes the scribes and Pharisees as hypocritical, proud, self-exalting, outwardly religious yet inwardly corrupt people who burden others without lifting a finger themselves. We must be better; our love must be free and humble. We must allow Jesus himself to become our model.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard often emphasized that although Jesus is truly king, he displayed none of the showiness or grandeur of earthly royalty. Instead, he chose to be the servant‑king. Born in poverty to humble, working-class parents, he lived as an itinerant teacher, supported by alms and the work of his hands. He poured himself out for others through healing, teaching, and acts of charity. As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to use our God-given gifts in the same spirit of humble service.
Saul of Tarsus once committed great evil in the sight of God. Yet through the influence of Jesus and perhaps the early foundations laid by his teacher, Gamaliel, Saul experienced a profound conversion. Like the wicked man in today’s first reading who turns from evil to righteousness, Saul became Paul, a true disciple of Christ. His transformation reminds us that we, too, must turn from worldly ambitions and align ourselves with God’s will.
We are not left to accomplish this alone. In the Eucharist, we receive the very Body of Christ, who enters into us and strengthens us. Through this sacrament, we gain the grace to be transformed, so that our actions, not merely our words, reveal the righteousness Jesus calls us to embrace.
Prayer:
Jesus, son of God, with the Father and the Spirit, you show your greatness in the works of your hands and in your care for all that exists. By means of your sacrament that proclaims your love until you come again, and living our conviction that your loving fidelity never fails, help us to preserve to the end in trust and confidence. Amen. (from Camire SSS, Father Bernard, Praise God in His Holy Place, page 103).
