Advent Day 11 - indictments and exaltations

Matthew 23:1-12

          Setting aside Pope Francis who seems to have a genuine heart, lets look at the hierarchy in general and the bureaucracy that is the Roman Catholic Church. If lineage can in fact be traced to the Roman church over any other center of Christendom, they have been given such by God himself. If true we are to listen attentively to what they say but do not do as they do.  The Roman church makes burdens for so many and leaves virtually  none for itself to obey. It would be unfair to single out clergy who live well healed lives of leisure in opulence because there are so many who live the life of St. Francis, the life of simplicity, love and service. Still there are many who say feed the poor and instead feed themselves. Many say starve your natural sexuality and have secret liaisons and families on the side. If the seat of Rome is in fact the direct and unbroken lineage of Peter, there is an incredible burden that goes with it to live by example.  While this may not be so, there is no burden greater than any other human, then there should be heavy burdens laid on anyone if not done so to themselves.

           If there is anyone who can lead by example, by whatever title you wish to choose, that person is Jesus Christ. He is the greatest who made himself the least. He took human form and lived as we did. he suffered indignities we fear and embraced them. He lived life to the full enjoying the company of men and women he called friends, family, brothers and sisters. He loved the same as we do and taught us how we can elevate our humanity, live whole and complete lives and how we can find redemption through him.  This is no small task for him and no small task for us but he showed us that it is possible.

        For all of this he is exalted on high and we celebrate his birth like no other before or since. It is a time to reflect on the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ and the possibilities of being human. Let us celebrate, not so much with fine things and self indulgence but instead with joy, simplicity of pureness of heart.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; 

therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.