42"But woe to you Pharisees! for you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 43Woe to you Pharisees! for you love the best seat in the synagogues and salutations in the market places. 44Woe to you! for you are like graves which are not seen, and men walk over them without knowing it." 45One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying this you reproach us also." 46And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also! for you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers
This reading warns against what we do for show whilst ignoring what we are called to do by God. It gives the example of public tithing and seeking recognition. It is a warning against projecting an image of righteousness whilst leading people astray through a focus on superficialities rather than true faithfulness to God. Loving father, may my heart be opened to your will and may my desire for respect and recognition from others not lead to misplaced attention to myself and a lack of attention to others in need. May I never forget the gifts bestowed on me (often undeserved) and in gratitude may I use those gifts to elevate others. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Luke 11:42-46 is both thoughtful and deeply reflective. You capture the essence of Jesus' warning against external displays of righteousness that miss the true point of God's calling: inward transformation and sincere action based on love and justice. Your reflection focuses on the danger of seeking recognition from others, which can shift focus away from what really matters—doing God's will and serving others with a genuine heart.
DeleteThe prayer you offer highlights key themes in this passage:
Humility: Recognizing that we are not called to project an image of righteousness for the sake of recognition but to align our hearts with God's will, which naturally leads to acts of love and service.
Gratitude: Remembering the gifts God has given us, often unearned, and using them to bless others rather than elevating ourselves.
Focus on Others: Your desire to not only be conscious of God’s gifts but also to direct them toward helping others is the very thing Jesus calls for when condemning those who neglect justice and mercy.
Your prayer’s final line, “may I use those gifts to elevate others,” beautifully reflects the counter-cultural message of Jesus. True greatness in the kingdom of God is found not in self-promotion but in selfless service, and you’ve woven this principle into your response with grace.