Striving for Congruence

Psalm 50 • Psalm [59, 60] or 33
Ecclus. 31:12-18,25-32:2 • Rev. 12:7-17 • Luke 11:53-12:12

We have quite the array of readings today! Joy, praise, hypocrisy, sacrifice, bloodthirsty dogs, earthquake, sorrow, steadfast love, table etiquette, alcohol moderation, war with a dragon, and rounding it all out — another warning about hypocrisy.

Luke’s gospel tells us the tension surrounding Jesus is continuing to build: his popularity is exploding, people are trampling one another to reach him. The opposition to Jesus is also intensifying the closer they get to Jerusalem. Across the gospels, we hear descriptions similar to Luke’s:

When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him and to cross-examine him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Jesus speaks first to his disciples, wanting to prepare them for what is coming, not only his future but theirs. He is telling them — don’t be fooled by this current popularity. He alone knows that most of them will be martyred in his name; anyone who follows him needs to be focused and ready for any persecution of the time — beatings, floggings, stonings, social ostracism. First Jesus tells them:

Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy.

Unlike the bread of life he is offering, Jesus uses the word yeast here to refer to something sour and fermenting, i.e., it only takes a wee bit to ruin your work.

2 Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops.

The art of hypocrisy depends on the dark, on concealing that which would die in the light, and also on our human egos — the rich, fertile nests that can embolden and solidify our convictions. We become as convinced of our righteousness today as I’m sure the Pharisees and scribes were a few thousand years ago.

Jesus reassures his disciples that when the moment comes, when they are brought before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, and they don’t know how to defend themselves, in their fear they must not become hypocrites and denounce the Son of Man. 

Do not worry about what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will [be with] you at that very hour.

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Today, Holy Spirit, I thank you for this day you have given me. 

Nudge me to remember that negative feelings in myself and from others always come from fear.  

Allow me strength that I am not pushed by fear into hypocrisy, denouncing hate, racism and injustice by being hateful, racist and unjust.  

Please let my actions reflect my feelings, my feelings mirror my thoughts, and keep my thoughts focused on the light and love of Jesus so that through all, I am congruent with the love and compassion that our savior showed so many on his long road to the cross. 

Be with me, Holy Spirit!

Written by Bernadette Reda

Bernadette has been grateful for St. Paul’s since walking through the doors in 2004. Today she is especially grateful for Mr. Jack and the music ministry, and Ms. Emma and her work with the youth ministry.