THE FOLLY OF PRETENSIONS | The Word Exposed with Cardinal Tagle (November 05, 2023)

Jesus described the scribes and the Pharisees—the teachers of the Mosaic Law of their time—as pretentious. “They love[d]places of honor” and carried themselves with pomp. They did not practice what they preached and didn't “lift a finger” to move the “heavy burdens” resting on the “people’s shoulders.” Everything they did was “performed to be seen.”

So, Jesus told his disciples and the crowds: “[D]o and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.” Listen to their speeches, their explanation of the Law, because that task was entrusted to them. But do not follow how they carried out their task because of the disconnection between the lessons they preached and the way they conducted their life.

Jesus was teaching them—and us also—to recognize the authority of leaders, but at same time to be discerning followers. He also reminds us that genuine leaders and teachers do not forget that they are followers and learners too.

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The Word Exposed with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples reflects on Sunday's Mass readings each week. From the Vatican, produced by Jesuit Communications.

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