Gospel Reflection for the 31st. Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 5th. – Follow the leader….?

When I was a child there was a game that was played in school. It was called ‘Follow the Leader.’ It was a simple enough game. One person was chosen to be the ‘leader’. Whatever the leader did or said, everyone else copied. For example, if the leader clapped their hands or jumped on one foot, everyone else did the same. If the leader counted from one to five, everyone else said the same thing. You were out of the game if you failed do or say what the leader did or said.

Our gospel this Sunday is about leaders. It is about what they say and what they do. It is about what sort of example they are for the people they are trying to lead and guide. At the time of Jesus the religious leaders of the Jewish people were the Scribe and Pharisees. In front of the people gathered, Jesus makes a very public condemnation and criticism of these religious leaders. Jesus clearly says for everyone to hear, ‘do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practice what they preach.’ Strong words indeed. Jesus continues his criticism when he says that they always want to take the place of honour at meals and the best front seat in the synagogues.

What have these words of Jesus to do with us or say to us today? Jesus is warning us not think of ourselves as being better that other people. We have to be careful not to say one thing and then do the very opposite. We are not to speak and act in ways so that people will notice us and tell us how wonderful we are. The Pharisees knew the Law of Moses which came from the Old Testament. They told the people that they had to follow these rules in every detail in their daily lives. They asked the people to do this, but were unable to do it themselves. They knew the Law very well; what they lacked was mercy, compassion and tenderness of heart. Their actions did not match their words. They made life difficult for people, but would not lift a finger to help them or ease their suffering. They expected others to follow the law and to be perfect, but they themselves were far from perfect.

God does not expect us to be perfect. However, we are asked to be genuine, honest and authentic with ourselves, others and God. When asked by the Pharisees what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, ‘Love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.’ This is the heart of the Jewish Law and it is at the heart of Jesus’ message to us today. We are called to follow Jesus who came to serve and not to be served. This is the example we are asked to follow and live by. This gospel calls to us ask ourselves whether we do and say things so that people will notice us. The warning and challenge that Jesus puts to Pharisees is the one that he puts to each of us today. As I strive to follow Jesus, can I also follow his example of what it means to lead? Can I serve others and not just expect to be served?

• Michael Moore OMI