17th Sunday in Ordinary Time [A]

July 30, 2023

Matthew 13:44-52

The Scribes are often perceived as the bad guys. Together with the Pharisees and the elders, the scribes are often arguing and disagreeing with Jesus. Yet, interestingly, Jesus mentions the scribes of the kingdom of God. So, what is precisely the scribes? Are they the bad guys or the good guys? What does Jesus mean by ‘the Scribes of the Kingdom’?

Scribes [in Greek: γραμματεὺς, grammateus] are unique professions in the ancient time. When most people were illiterate, and the writing material was scarce, the scribes played an essential role in keeping the record and passing down the written history. Being a scribe is not only about the ability to read but also highly specialized skills to write efficiently using ancient materials [stone tablets, animal skins, papyrus]. Most scribes worked for the royal court as they wrote various official documents and recorded the chronicles. Since, in ancient times, the royal officials and the religious leaders were often the same persons, the scribes also were tasked to write and copy sacred texts. 

In the time of Jesus, the Israelite scribes were highly specialized professionals in reproducing Torah scrolls and the prophets’ writings. They would form a small community and write sacred texts together. While they wrote, they would read the text aloud and, thus, avoid unnecessary errors. To copy the holy texts is their sacred duty. But not only reading and writing the text, the scribes also read, discussed and interpreted the meaning of the sacred text. With this privileged access to the sacred text, they also read and taught the Torah to the people of Israel. Scribes did not form a single organized group but joined existing groups like Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes, or they decided not to be unaffiliated to any group. From here, we know that scribes were not homogenous. Some may disagree with Jesus at some point, but on some issues, they may agree. 

Then, Jesus mentioned ‘the scribes of the Kingdom’, who are these people? At the first level, these are the apostles of Jesus and other disciples. They are the ones who are responsible for writing the New Testament. Matthew and John are apostles, while Mark is the disciple of Peter and Luke is the companion of Paul. They also interpreted and preached the Old Testament as fulfilled by Jesus Christ.

However, at the second level, the scribes are all of us. Nowadays, we have easy access to the Bible. We are called not only to hear and read the word of God in the scriptures but also to understand it more profoundly and share it with others. While some people are taking the more prolonged and more intense study of the scriptures, like priests, bible scholars, and catechists, all of us are also called to take part in the scribes’ responsibility. 

I am happy that more Catholics are taking an interest in Bible Study. Some take a formal classes or attend seminars. Some make commitments to read Bible every day. Yet, scribes are not only someone who read and study the sacred text but also one who share and preach it. Thus, the challenge is how we are to share the word of God and take part in the mission of the Scribes of the Kingdom.

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP