GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Teacher: Mt 23,1-12
We have noted already that Jesus is speaking in this chapter to the crowd and the disciples (23,1). Matthew has expanded Mk 12,38-40; note how the audience has changed.
See how these first twelve verses of the chapter set the scene by first showing up the scribes and the Pharisees as false leaders (23,1-7) before becoming an exhortation to the Christian community (21,8-12). How does the exhortation differ from what precedes? What might be the purpose of this exhortation within this chapter? How does it alter the tone of the discourse?
The Seat of Moses: 23,1-7
Who are the "scribes and Pharisees" for Matthew? What may be meant by Moses' seat in verse 2? How does this verse set up the whole discourse?
What then is meant by verse 3? See what follows, 23,23 for example, as well as 16,11-12.
Note how verse 4 recalls 11,28-30.
The first part of verse 5 recalls 6,1-6.16-18. The second half of the verse refers to Jewish customs described in Dt 6,4-9 and Numbers 15,38-39.
Verses 6 and 7 underline the point; see James 2,2-4. The title is picked up and explained in the following verse.
An Exhortation: 23:8-12
Verse 8 picks up from verse 7 as in the NRSV. Note how it is introduced and how this is expressed in the second half of the verse: what does this tell us about the Christian community? A look at Jer 31,33-34 will make the point.
"Father" in verse 9 recalls the Sermon on the Mount, chapter 6.
There may be a number of renderings of verse 10 in the translations. Matthew uses a word which occurs only here in the New Testament.
See how verse 11 then picks up from verse 8 and states a fundamental principle about the Christian community.
Verse 12 echoes Proverbs 29,23. Recall here earlier comments by Jesus, 20,24-28.
In conclusion, reflect on the message of this exhortation for the Church.
Now look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
Mt 23,1-12 is read as the Gospel for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Note the subtitle in italics in the lectionary.
The accompanying Old Testament reading is formed of extracts from the propet Malachi, Mal 1,14b-2,2b.8-10. Therefore read this passage in your Bibles, note the surrounding verses and what has been omitted. As with the Gospel so with the reading. It is the subtitle in italics provides the clue for its selection.
Look again at my response.
We now continue our reading with the first six woes, 23,13-28.