The Holy Martyrs Acepsimas the Bishop (378), Joseph the Priest and Aithalis the Deacon (379); Dedication of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda, Where His Precious Body is Entombed
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Luke 11:42-46
Read Luke 11:42-46
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
These three woes that the Lord speaks to the Pharisees at the meal table need to be heard by us today.
The first woe is about focusing on little matters while missing the weighty matters. We have a modern idiom that helps us understand this – can’t see the forest for the trees. In this case, mint and herbs while missing justice and love of God! The Pharisees ought to have known this for it is written in Deuteronomy, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (6:5). And in Micah, Israel is counselled “to do justice and to love goodness” (6:8). How often do we miss this mark? Are we like the Pharisees?
The second woe is about the Pharisees walking with pride. They seek the honours and prestige of their position within Jewish society rather than walking humbly with the Lord (see again Micah 6:8). Have I in all things put the Lord first? I may do this with possessions but how about in my relationships?
The third woe is how these very Pharisees unknowingly contaminate others by their example in very much the same way one is contaminated by having contact with the dead (unknown graves). People will follow the example of another more than his or her word. Have I lead others astray by my example from the weightier matters of justice and love of God, from placing first the Lord in their lives?
It is important to reflect on these things because it will allow us to see more clearly the example of our Lord and His word of Life to us.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Jn 15:13).