Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Isa 1:10,16-20
Mt 23:1-12
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we ponder on today’s scripture and reflection written by our contributor from Canada, we invite you to hold space for the discussion of some sensitive topics that may be diversely experienced in different countries around the world today. Let us be courageous to discern with a spirit of charity and generosity as to when God calls us to stand up for in our workplaces and situations – especially when they go against our Christian teachings.
“The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practice what they preach.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples and people around him, that the Pharisees and scribes may possess the knowledge that was passed down from Moses, and guide the Jewish people in the temple and worship; while it is alright to listen to their teachings, do not be guided by what they do, as they do not practice what they preach.
Before we start pointing our fingers at people around us — be they church leaders, work place managers, even family members; let us look at ourselves first. According to the dictionary, a hypocrite is someone who puts on a false appearance of virtue, or a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.
It is true that many of us wear different hats or masks in different social situations. How often have you found yourself agreeing with someone on a topic which you feel strongly against, simply because you want to appear agreeable or “in with the times”? Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we need to be argumentative in all situations; but there are times when we do need to stand up for our beliefs and put our words into actions. In other words, practice what we preach. To keep silent on issues that we know are detrimental to the well-being of people is contrary to being loving. Sometimes, love calls us to speak up against injustice or misguided ideas.
Take, for example, the current campaign of ‘40 Days for Life’ in Canada, a movement to end abortion. This is a good litmus test to see if we align with the scribes and Pharisees. If you are reading this reflection, there is a good chance that you are a Catholic Christian and probably Pro-Life or Anti-Death or Anti-abortion. If that is the case, are you practicing your beliefs? You don’t have to be a street corner preacher, but you could join one of the ‘40 Days for Life’ vigils in your city. Or you could volunteer in your local pregnancy crisis centres, or you could pray for the expectant mothers who may be contemplating to abort their babies, and to pray for the unborn babies. Or do you keep silent if anyone brings up the topic of abortion?
Those in the medical profession recite the Hippocratic oath — a promise of an ethical standard sworn to by physicians and nurses. The traditional oath includes a promise of healing (best care for the sick), non-harm (promise to do no harm to patients), and compassion (promise to treat patients with compassion and care) among others. I was surprised to learn that in recent years, here in Canada, they have done away with it in some schools or allowed students to write their own version. Is it a wonder that some of our physicians and nurses are not practicing the Hippocratic oath of old, and have forgotten the principles it was based on? Especially those who practice/assist in abortions and euthanasia, or medically-assisted suicides; they may believe that they are helping in some way, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Besides the expectant mothers contemplating abortions or patients in deep despair seeking to terminate their lives, these people need our prayers desperately; but the doctors and nurses who practice abortions and euthanasia are also in need of our prayers. Prayers for the Holy Spirit to change their hearts and minds, to realize the truth about the worth of a human life.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: Our most merciful Lord, You said that we should remove the plank in our eyes before removing the splinter in our brother’s eye; Lord, help us not to be hypocrites and deeply reflect on our faith and whether we practice our faith in every aspect of our lives.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your love and mercy. For correcting our erroneous ways and for never giving up on us.
OXYGEN 
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