In today’s Gospel, Luke 11:42-46, Jesus directly confronts the Pharisees and the scribes, criticizing them for their focus on outward religious observance while neglecting the deeper, more important aspects of faith. He begins by saying, “Woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God” (Lk 11:42). Jesus is pointing out that while they are meticulous about following small details of the law, such as tithing herbs, they overlook the weightier matters of justice and love.
This is a powerful reminder for us today. We too can fall into the trap of focusing on outward religious actions—going to church, saying prayers, or following rules—without allowing those practices to transform our hearts. God does not desire empty rituals; what truly matters is how we live out our faith in our daily lives, how we show love and compassion to others, and how we seek justice for those in need.
Jesus is not condemning the Pharisees for tithing; He acknowledges that they should continue doing so. But He emphasizes that they cannot neglect justice and love in the process. Faith is about balance—yes, we should practice devotion, but not at the expense of living out God’s commands to love our neighbour and seek justice in the world. Are there areas in our own lives where we focus too much on the “small things” of faith while neglecting the bigger picture of love and mercy?
In verse 43, Jesus warns against hypocrisy. He says, “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.” The Pharisees seek honour and recognition for their religious status. Their piety is not motivated by love for God but by a desire to be admired by others. Jesus calls us to authenticity in our faith. True faith doesn’t seek approval or admiration from others; it seeks only to serve and please God. We are challenged to ask ourselves: Are we motivated by a sincere love for God, or by a need for recognition and validation?
Finally, Jesus addresses the scribes in verses 45-46, saying, “Woe to you, experts in the law, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.” The scribes were religious leaders who should have been guiding and helping others, but instead, they imposed heavy burdens, making faith difficult for people. Jesus reminds us that we should never make faith a burden for others. Our role is to help, support, and encourage each other on our journey of faith.
In this passage, Jesus calls us to go beyond surface-level religious practices and focus on what truly matters: justice, love, and mercy. He asks us to live out our faith with authenticity, to care for others, and to seek a deep, sincere relationship with God. Let us strive not for recognition or status but for a faith that truly reflects God’s love in our hearts and in our actions.