Name: Jeremy V. Cruz, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
Department/College: St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Scripture of the Day: IS 1:10, 16-20; MT 23:1-12
“Come now, let us set things right.”
The Gospel According to Matthew urges a mixed early community of Jewish and Gentile Christians to avoid attitudes and practices that conflict with the justice of God’s kingdom—self-exaltation, abuse of power, empty words, excessive pursuits of honor and status, and avoidance of service. There must have been problems in the community!
Yet the gospel’s author delivers this warning to Christians by writing a fierce condemnation of Jewish leaders by Jesus. The author’s portrayal of Pharisees and scribes is not likely an accurate report of Jesus’ actual interactions with Pharisees and scribes.
Moreover, written a half-century after Jesus’ execution by the Roman Empire, the gospel’s condemnation may be an unfair exaggeration of local Pharisees and scribes with whom the author’s community was in conflict. How often do we exaggerate the flaws of our adversaries because they have harmed us, or in defense of our own needs?
The prophet Isaiah’s insistence—“Make justice your aim”—keeps us mindful of the Jewish heart of Jesus’ teaching.
Righteous people must make reparation for injustice and protect vulnerable neighbors. Yet we need not feel alone in this enormous task; the Spirit has long been at work.
The Holy One promises, “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” We can channel divine justice and guidance when we are open to God’s dynamic presence. Through the song of the psalmist, we are invited to participate in God’s sacred work: “Come now, let us set things right.”
Read more reflections from Come Back to Me: Lenten Reflections from St. John’s University.