A reflection in memory of Saint Monica

You can find today’s readings here.

In August 2021, Pope Francis called hypocrisy in the Church “particularly abhorrent,” pointing out that there is clear evidence in the Gospels to support his claim. “If you have some time today,” Francis noted, “turn to the 23rd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and see how many times Jesus says, ‘Hypocrite, hypocrite, hypocrite.'”

Some verses from this chapter make up today’s Gospel reading, and indeed it is clear that Jesus has little patience with those who say one thing and do another. In particular, Jesus calls out the scribes and Pharisees, who should be leaders of the faith. “Woe to you… You tithe mint, dill and cumin and neglect the more important things of the law: judgment, mercy and faithfulness.”

There is a particular irony in religious leaders who loudly preach the truth but do not try to live it. “Hypocrites are people who pretend, flatter and deceive because they live with a mask on their faces and do not have the courage to face the truth,” Francis said. “For this reason they are incapable of truly loving: a hypocrite does not know how to love.” Could a fate be worse?

This description is so horrific that few of us would call ourselves hypocrites, even though we often openly address such traits in others. But today’s Gospel also reminds us of the need for this self-reflection, to “cleanse first the inside of the cup,” and to attend to our inner life and spirituality in order to properly order and direct our outward-facing rituals. When we do this, not only can we speak more truthfully and lovingly, but we are also more likely to be heard. It allows us to more easily recognize our own faults and also more readily recognize the good in others.