Truth and Transparency

Preparing for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: One Day before Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 86:1-10

Old Testament: Ezekiel 29:3-7

Gospel: Luke 11:53—12:3

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18

Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:1-6

Gospel: Luke 11:53—12:3

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Prayer

Move us to praise your gracious will, for in Christ Jesus you have saved us from the deeds of death and opened for us the hidden ways of your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Reflection

When he went outside, the scribes and the Pharisees became hostile to him and began to interrogate him about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Meanwhile, when the crowd had gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered and nothing secret that will not become known. 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” (Luke 11:53-12:3).

Jesus addresses a group of Pharisees and experts in the law who have gathered to listen to him.

They oppose Jesus vehemently and provoke him with questions, seeking to trap him in his words. Their hostility toward Jesus is obvious and they are looking for ways to challenge him.

It is in this context that Jesus addresses his disciples, cautioning them against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He warns them to be aware of their deceit and to avoid adopting their behavior. Jesus refers to the Pharisees as “yeast,” which is a metaphor for their corrupting influence. He urges his disciples to be on guard against their teachings and way of life.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of truth and the eventual exposure of hidden things. Everything, including the religious leaders’ hypocrisy will be revealed, and everything that is unknown will be made known. Jesus assures his disciples that God’s truth will ultimately prevail and that even the most secretive actions or words will be brought to light. “Your sins will find you out,” says Numbers 32:23.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of living a genuine and authentic life. He cautions against adopting the false teachings and practices of the Pharisees, who appear righteous on the outside, but are corrupt on the inside. Jesus encourages his followers to be transparent and truthful as God’s truth will ultimately be revealed and hidden things will come to light.

We must be vigilant against our own hypocrisy and to prioritize truthfulness and authenticity in our lives. We must align themselves with God’s truth rather than being swayed by the corrupting influences of the world.

PRAYER: Lord God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus has untied our burdens and healed our spirits. We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world. Amen.

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