Jesus’ Life: Chapter 10 – Jesus’ Last Journey To Jerusalem
When Jesus preached the Parable of the Dishonest Steward and shared the proverb on “faithfulness” with his disciples, some Pharisees listened in and reacted by “sneering” and “turning up their nose at Him”.
The Pharisees “loved money” so, Jesus’ message of honesty, trustworthiness and building riches in heaven, was contrary, in many obvious ways, to their lifestyle. Perhaps, they still thought they could serve both God and money.
Jesus, noticing how the Pharisees responded, said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God”.
The rebuke to the Pharisees by Jesus was very strong. He had compared them to the Dishonest Steward and implied they were wasting God’s gifts.
Their sneering, to imply they knew better than Jesus, was greatly misguided. (Luke 16:14-15)
Thought
It’s God who will be our judge. His criteria will be Jesus’ teachings.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, give me a heart of compassion for those who are misguided by their leaders and peers. Help me to reach out and give them direction to your Sacred Heart of Love. Amen.
Prayer: Breastplate (St Patrick)
I arise today with a great strength:
God’s power to guide me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s eyes to watch over me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to give me speech,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to shelter me and
God’s host to secure me.
