Today's gospel [Matthew 23:23-26] contains a message for many of us. It is fitting because most have become very, very, very busy people --- whether we like it or not.
Jesus speaks directly to the scribes and Pharisees -- those who feel the need to be in complete control but, because they are so busy about too many concerns, "have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgement and mercy and fidelity."
Have you ever noticed how your life becomes when it becomes difficult, cluttered with too many interferences? Most likely you have a disappointing and frustrating sense that you have lost control. As a result, a natural human reaction takes place: you become quite picayune! You make your world a microcosm. You focus in on the smallest of your faults or your turn to criticising an other's ways. Irritations abound when the children don't put "thing" where you want them,; when your spouse does not get a load of wash done or the broken hand on the bathroom cabinet has been hanging almost off the drawer for weeks.
What Jesus is remind the scribes and Pharisees -- and us is this: don't be overly critical of other or ourselves. God isn't asking what might be impossible at a given moment on our expectations calendar. Jesus is teaching all of us that what the Father expects of us is that we are full of love or himself and one another. Even for us the heart of the Commandments and the laws of our Church is justice, mercy and fidelity. If we endeavor to love others as we ought and if we allow them to love us even our smallest expectations will disappear from that list of expectations. Our critical ways will morph into appreciation and respect.
Let our prayers today open our hearts to loving and being loved. Let us remember this in our workplace and our homes today and every day.
