Heart pointers

It is easy to point an accusing finger at the Scribes and Pharisees and label them as villains in the Gospel. But before we do so, let us first understand where they are coming from so that we may appreciate the Gospel reading even more.

The study of the Law is the greatest of all professions. The Scribes took on the interpretation of the Law. The Pharisees dedicated themselves as a group which meticulously observed the rules and regulations that the Scribes did. These two groups of people were serious in their practices as they gave their lives in service to God by being good followers of the Law that was handed down to the people of Israel.

The Scribes and the Pharisees were in fact generally good people. They were people who can be looked up to as their practices were readily seen. They were the natural leaders of a people who held God’s Law as primary to their lives. And imbibing their ways meant that one seemingly becomes like them and seemingly become close in following the Law.

But why was Jesus frustrated with the Scribes and Pharisees?

Today’s reading points to a reason. Jesus seeks consistency in them. He knows for a fact that the basic externalities that they show are not enough in leading one’s life closer to God. It is true that on the observable outside, there is nothing to be blameworthy about. But what is of greater worth is what comes from within, that which remain hidden. And these are the very matters that can be easily overlooked.

It has been said that when one begins to point a finger at someone, three other fingers of one’s hand point back to one’s self. And this becomes a reminder to look at and examine one’s self before looking at the other.

Jesus asks us to dig deep and search inside. What are we able to find in our hearts that remain inconsistent with the lives we lead? What keeps us away from being genuine sharers of Christ’s love and grace? What evils do we have that need forgiveness and redemption?

The evils mentioned that come from our hearts are: evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.

Most likely, we are guilty of one or a combination of these evils in our lifetime. We simply have to acknowledge that we are broken before God and His people. And most of all, ask forgiveness for these — so that we may have a change of hearts and not have them hardened.

Let us not generalize a negative notion of Scribes and Pharisees as this is not the point of Jesus’ message. (In fact, we even acknowledge in our Christian tradition the roles of two Pharisees, Nicodemus and Saint Paul, as persons who were close to Christ Jesus.) Rather, let us take the message given to the Scribes and Pharisees as Jesus’ message to us who hear his word. The point of the matter is to point to our hearts. And may our hearts, claimed by our Lord, give consistency to the lives we lead.

I leave with you a quote attributed to the late Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. It talks about finding where your heart is. It goes like this:

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love and it will decide everything.”

May you have a blessed week.

P.S. You may want to listen to a song that is very apt for our reading today. Point your internet browser to the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV3vvJrvxNw. You will hear Yano’s song, Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo.