Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites. A Hypocrite is a pretender. A person whose actions contradict their stated beliefs or feelings. Jesus did not hesitate in calling the religious and political leaders of his time hypocrites. The Pharisees paid a great deal of attention to outward ordinances and actions that would make them appear righteous, but they were not as concerned with being righteous in their hearts. For this Jesus referred to them as hypocrites.
In today’s gospel, Jesus chastised the Pharisees for working on the sabbath, “untying ox or ass from the manger and lead it out for watering”, yet they want Jesus’s neck for freeing a woman, “daughter of Abraham” whom Satan has bound for eighteen years. Jesus questioned them “…. ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage.”
The Pharisees were indifferent to the plight of this woman. Are you indifferent to people’s needs? The miracle in today’s gospel was only by Jesus own initiative. The woman did not asked Jesus for healing. This miracle comes simply through the goodness of Jesus and His compassion.
What else will you and I learn from today’s encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees? We must not be indifferent to the plights of those around us. Pope Francis puts it succinctly to the priests around the world when he said that the shepherd should have the “smell of the sheep.” Priests and lay people alike should not follow the example of the Pharisees who refuse to get dirty or involve themselves. May we follow the part of Jesus, who heals out of compassion, misericordia.
Action speaks louder than words.
Have a wonderful week.
