Whitewashed Tombs 

   “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and all kinds of filth.”  (Matt 23: 27) 

   Matthew 23: 1 – 36 is one of the longest recorded teachings of Jesus.  In it He addressed the religious leaders of His time and their failings.  The passage above can be found in that teaching.

   The overwhelming majority of priests, bishops and cardinals are faithful servants of the Lord.  They lead the flock with loving care, upholding the truths of God in all they do.  They deserve our thanks and prayers.

   However, there are a few who need to revisit Jesus’ description of the scribes and Pharisees.  They too are like whitewashed tombs.  I refer to those who would abuse children under the guise of their position and those who fail to take proper action against them.  Are you listening Cardinal McCarrick?  There are so-called Catholic colleges that fail to uphold the teachings of Christ, inviting high-profile abortion advocates to speak and be honored.  Do you hear me, Father Jenkins, president of Notre Dame University?  Where is their faith, where is their fear of the Lord?

   There are others who would have the church bow to the whims of society rather than uphold the truths of God.  They would prefer to bend the rules to get along rather than stand for God’s ways.  They would ignore the teachings of Christ to please secular society.

   The Bishops complain and wonder why so many Catholics no longer attend Mass or receive the sacraments.  Perhaps they should look in the mirror and reconsider Jesus’ words to the religious leaders of Israel.  If clergy provides faithful, consistent leadership, always looking to God for guidance, the laity is much more likely to follow. 

Lord I thank You for Your faithful servants.

Bless them and strengthen their faith.

Open the eyes of those who ignore Your word.

May they repent and be reconciled.

 

Amen