TO BE SEEN

Ez 43,1-7a; Ps 84; Mt 23,1-12
25 AUGUST
Every work done by his disciples has only one purpose for Jesus: show the world the greatest glory of the Lord. In everything that the Christian does, the greatness, the magnificence, the light, the truth and the grace of his God and Lord must always be revealed.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father (Mt 5,13-16).

If the disciple has to work for the glory of God, he might never work for one of his own particular interests, either material or spiritual. In everything, he must always be a servant of the truth and light of his God. Jesus does not love those who are at the service of their own glory, using the religion of his Father. His teaching is bright. His Word is shining more than the son. God serves those who serve him.

“(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you (Mt 6,1-6.16-18).

Jesus is about to conclude his public teaching. Once again he invites his disciples to become servants of the glory of the Father. In his religion one does not enter to serve himself, using Gospel and ministries, vocations and charismas. One enters because he wants to be an instrument so that only the Lord may be known, worshiped, served and believed.

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens (hard to carry) and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honour at banquets, seats of honour in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

But Jesus does not want a religion of rebels, protesters, opponents, murmurs and critics. He asks his disciples to do what they are commanded, but not to imitate those who command. Only Jesus Lord is to be imitated. He must be imitated in his heart meekness and humility. From these two virtues, the other will recognize that he is the true servant of Christ Jesus. These two virtues will always be what will make the disciple a true servant of the brothers.

Wise Virgin, Angels, Saints, arrange that every Christian is a servant of the glory of the Father.