MOSES’ SEAT…

Isaiah 1:10,16-20

10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Matthew 23:1-12

1 Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. 4 They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men.
8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.10 Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.  

MEDITATION

THE FIRST READING: Our inclination to not change from our wayward lifestyle is a barrier that preclude God from washing away our sins, however evil it may have been. Isaiah presents God’s olive branch, an offer of reconcilliation for the people who are open to reason, think and form logical conclusions about the dangerous effects of sin. The choice is ours; by being rebellious and using delaying tactics to not accept the teachings of the prophet, who speaks on behalf of God, shall surely lead to the damnation of the people.

THE GOSPEL READING: Jesus acknowledge that the Scribes and Pharisees are the authoritive who occupy the seat of Moses are the expositor’s and teachers of the law. Notwithstanding the observable fact that many Rabbis, teachers and masters of the Torah were not living in accord with the teachings they proclaimed, Jesus charitably encourage His desciples and followers to continue to observe this God ordained teaching office.

It is very apparent that Jesus did not wish to abolish the ‘Seat of Moses,’ a nessesary ecclesiastical institution that regulate, teach and preserve the faith. Jesus does however implore the Hebrew people to not mimick the pretentious vainglory lifestyles of their leaders that did not nesseserily comport with the office they occupied. Rightly understood; masters, rabbis, father’s and teachers aught to live up to our calling, failing which we do not deserve to hold such an office, nevermind our titles! Finally, we must agree that without a ‘Seat of Moses,‘ the Petrine office (Mt 7: 23-24; 16:18), we shall end up with a subjective ‘my bible and I’ chaotic interpretation of the Sacred text, that is distorted to suit our way of life, such that it may cost us our salvation!

LET US PRAY: Psalms 50:8-9,16-17,21,23

8 I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me.9 I will accept no bull from your house, nor he-goat from your folds.
16 But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.23 He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!”

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.