Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 11:47-54
October 13, 2022 | Thursday
A curse is on you, for you build monuments to the prophets your ancestors killed. So you approve and agree with what your the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the Sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, ancestors did. Is it not so? They got rid of the prophets, and you build monuments to them! For that reason the wisdom of God also said: I will send prophets and apostles and these people will kill and persecute some of them. But the present generation will have to answer for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the people of this time will have to answer for them all. A curse is on you, teachers of the law, for you have taken the key of knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you prevented others from entering.” As Jesus left that place, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to harass him, asking him endless questions, setting traps to catch him in something he might say.
Today’s Reflection:
Jesus once again rebuked the teachers of the Law for, at least, two reasons: first, they burdened the people with loads and loads of intricate rules and prescriptions while they failed or refused to lift a finger to help them in becoming good persons (v. 46), and, second, they blocked the people from knowing and finding the Kingdom of God (v. 52). Because of their actions, the Lord judged them to be unworthy of the kingdom of heaven. The meticulous observance of the Mosaic Law blinded them to see the transformative effect of each of the laws in their own personal lives. Following Jesus demands us not merely conforming ourselves to various laws and rituals, but also transforming ourselves into a community of believers who are nourished by God’s love. Faith goes beyond external fulfillment of religious duties and obligations. /Vulnerasti, 2022
