going after the leaders

Good morning friends,
Jesus has faced a lot of criticism from the religious leaders: the scribes, pharisees and teachers of the law, etc. Today the scribes concede that he speaks well, but Jesus goes on the offensive. In particular, he criticizes the scribes for caring about their honor and appearance, but "devouring widows." In other words, they take advantage of the vulnerable for economic gain. It's not exactly clear what Jesus is alleging, though it probably has to do with making money on religious services while not paying attention to the justice for the vulnerable that should be near the heart of faith and religious leadership. We are called to be especially aware of the needs of those who have no one else to speak for them.

God bless,
Sam

Luke 20:39-47

39Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 40For they no longer dared to ask him another question. 41Then he said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 43until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ 44David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?”

45In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”