Pharisees and Scribes

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Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Responsorial: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
Second Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Gospel: Luke 15:1-32

In today’s Gospel we find three familiar stories: the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. We could spend quite a bit of time breaking open the meaning of each of these parables – the relentless pursuit by the Shepherd, the woman and the Father running through the field to the son who returned home.

All of these parables give us insight into the immense love of the Father for each of us. The Father loves you and he loves me so much that he will chase us forever, but here’s the catch – we have to choose to say yes. You see, the Father will never force himself on anyone.

As beautiful as these parables are and as much as we all need to reminded that there is nothing, nothing we can do that will make us unlovable by the Father, I want to focus instead on the introduction to these parables.

Here is how Luke begins the parables. “The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him, but the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them,’” (Luke 15:1-2). The Pharisees and scribes were complaining.

While everyone could here the parables, Jesus directed these parables to the Pharisees and scribes. Why?

In the second reading from First Timothy, we hear, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” (1 Timothy 1:15). Now, we should all say to ourselves, “yes, that makes sense, because we are all sinners,” but my brothers and sisters, I suggest to you there are some who do not see themselves that way. We call these people self-righteous. Who are these people?

Again, from First Timothy we hear, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief,” (1 Timothy 1:13). Paul describes himself as one of these self-righteous people – one of these Pharisees and scribes who have this unfounded belief that they are morally superior to everyone.

Paul reminds us that Jesus came into the world for sinners. But like the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, there are many people who think, “I’m a good person.” Like the older brother who worked hard in his father’s fields from morning to night – who played by the rules and didn’t even ask for food to share with his friends, there are many people who believe that being a good person is good enough. And maybe we scoff at the idea that someone who is reckless, like the lost son deserved compassion.

You see, the tax collectors were particularly hated by most Jews. Tax collectors were Jews who worked for the Romans – they worked for the occupiers. And the way they were compensated was that they were allowed to add a surcharge to the taxes they collected for Rome. So, not only were they collecting taxes, but they squeezed people harder so that they could get their share. How could these people and other sinners – other people who didn’t live by the rules – deserve forgiveness? Sound familiar?

Why are you giving money to that homeless guy? It’s his own fault that he’s on the street or he’s just going to use the money for drugs or booze.

I work hard for my money. Why should my taxes go to welfare? They just keep having more and more kids.

Why should my taxes pay for that druggie in the hospital? It’s not my fault he’s strung out.

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance,” (Luke 15:7).

Homework! After receiving the Jesus through the Word of God proclaimed and in the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following two questions.

1. First, in my heart of hearts, can I relate to the Pharisees and the scribes?
2. Second, what is or are the sources of my righteousness?

I think by doing our homework, we can prepare our sinful hearts for repentance. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!