Jill Bevilacqua brings us reflections for the Thirtyfirst Sunday of the Year in her
programme "There's more in the Gospel than meets the eye". Readings by Seàn-Patrick
Lovett. Listen: GospelMt
23: 1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The
scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore,
do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their
example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie
up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but
they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed
to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They
love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings
in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.' As for you, do not be called
'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call
no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do
not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The
greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be
humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."