Truth beyond recognition

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031825.cfm

It’s easy for us today to dismiss the good in a person for their sins or behaviors. There is a lot of hypocrisy. We are all guilty of it. We are not fully who we are in our highest moments or in our lowest moments. We may know the right thing to do, but not fully live it. We put on blinders when it comes to ourselves and are quick to dismiss the good in others when their behaviors don’t live up to that good.  But truth transcends the shortcomings of the speaker.

In today’s gospel, Jesus emphasizes that truth is truth. Listen and be mindful of the good that others speak, but don’t follow their misguided behavior. We shouldn’t dismiss their good because of their misguided behavior. Deep down, we all know the good better than we live it. We all need to be mindful of how we are not living it. Jesus explains ways in which religious and spiritual people can slip up in their practice. He highlights:

• Preaching without practicing

• Burdening others while not being willing to contribute

• Pursuing recognition

• Seeking positions of honor

• Desiring grand titles

He also provides a means to avoid these temptations. Instead of seeking greatness, be a servant to others. Your greatness is determined by how you serve others. Instead of seeking to be exalted, humble yourself. It is in humbling yourself that you will be exalted. Jesus isn’t saying this in a cause and effect way. If you focus on humble service, the exaltation and recognition becomes meaningless. In fact, you’ll be able to see that you are already exalted and recognized as a child of God. When focusing on doing what is right, the act itself is the reward. It is not about exaltation or recognition; it is about what you do in service to God and others.