Having just dealt severely to the challenges of the Pharisees and other opponents Jesus, in this week's Gospel, actually affirms them! He acknowledges their legitimacy as teachers since they "sit in Moses' chair." (Mtt 23: 2) however he does not recommend that his disciples emulate their conduct. I think everyone would be aware that not all Pharisees would be self-seeking, hypocritical, pretentious, social climbing sycophants, however, the behaviours described would not be unknown then and even now. This is ultimately the point. The message is not for the Jews, it is for us. As disciples we must not fall into the traps that ensnare individuals living in faith communities and churches. We are challenged to live as Christ lived for we have been warned. It is not a question of "if" or "maybe" rather: "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." (Mtt 23: 12)
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