Reflection on the 32^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time [November 11, 2018] Mark 12: 38-44

[the Scribes] devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation. (Mk. 12:40)

In Jesus’ time, the scribes are the well-educated Jewish men who are expert in the Law of Moses. Some of them come from the wealthy families, and others hail from the priestly clan. Being able to teach and interpret the Law, they receive the respect and honor from the ancient Jewish society. Thus, ordinary Jews will greet them and prepare them the seats of honor in the synagogues and the banquets. Surely, there is no problem with receiving greetings and sitting as honor guests. Jesus Himself is often greeted as “Teacher” or “Rabbi”, and He attends the banquets as guest of honor (see Mar 14:3). The problem comes when some of the scribes possesses “narcissistic desire” and intentionally look for these privileges.

However, not only Jesus criticizes them for this narcissistic attitude, He gravely condemns also their acts of injustice, particularly “devouring the houses of widows.” In Jesus’ time, widows (Hebrew “almanah”) is considered to be one of the poorest and weakest. They are women who do not only lose their husband, but also fall into deeper poverty because they no longer have anybody to support them. They are lucky if their family and relatives take care of them, but in difficult times, they are left to their own. The Law of Moses provides that the widows, together with the orphans and strangers should be protected (see Deu 10:18).

Since the scribes are the respected and wealthy members of the society, it is a logical choice to entrust the care of Jewish widows to them. Unfortunately, instead helping and defending the widows, some of the scribes oppress and steal from the little the widows have. To steal is evil, but to rob the poor people who place their trust in us is far greater evil. Yet, it is not yet worst. After perfectly hiding their acts of injustice, some of the scribes continue going to the Temple and reciting lengthy prayer, as if there is nothing happens. This is hypocrisy, a double-life attitude at its finest!

As my ordination day to the diaconate is drawing closer, some of my brothers in the community and friends began to call me with title of honor like “reverend” or simply, “rev”. Admittedly, I am not comfortable with it. I wish that the people remain calling me brother. However, it has become the common practice in the Catholic Church to honor her ordained ministers. It is my prayer and my sincere wish I will not be like some of the Scribes who become “narcissistic” and “covets” the people’s adulation and all the privileges it brings. George Weigel, an American Catholic author, in his recent article, traces the root of Catholic anger against the clergy in the US. He writes that while it is true that many clergymen are good and holy, it is the clerical narcissism that builds anger of the Catholic lay.

Learning from the scribes, the narcissism is the seed. The vice grows into hidden acts of injustice. And from evil of injustice, the men in white garment are turning worse as they live in hypocrisy. It is my earnest hope that we continue praying, supporting and even correcting our brothers who are ordained to become the servants of God and His people. Without God’s grace, the right dose of humility and lay people’ prayer and help, our deacons, priests and bishops may become like the scribes who earn Jesus’ condemnation.

Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP