Tirade Time

Tuesday of the 2^nd Week of Lent

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus on a tirade…chapter 23 is it!

The whole of chapter gets the passion…no ‘sweet Jesus’ here!

We have the first part…the cautionary tale. 

Those Hypocrite-Scribes & Pharisees, they have the right words

but let me tell you about all their wrong-headed deeds.

They…they..they…

And then

As for you…

The tirade really heats up after today’s pericope ends.

Three sharp “Woe to you” daggers

I’m hearing a remedy from Isaiah…a little preventative medicine

Reading the verbs:

Hear (God)

Listen (to God)

Wash

Put Away

Cease Doing

Learn

Redress

Hear (the Orphan)

Defend (the Widow)

Jesus’ tirade is addressed to me 

I best not place myself in a convenient spot away from his gaze

But redress is possible

It is always possible

Prayer (hearing & listening) is the starting point

Collect:

Guard us

We pray

In your unceasing mercy

Because without you

We are sure to fall

Keep us

Direct us to all that brings salvation

I am picturing a game of ‘Pin the Tail’

I am blindfolded

And some kind party guest takes me by the shoulders

And points me

Gently

In the right direction