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True Greatness
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The
scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of
Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell
you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do
not practice…” Matthew 23:1–3
What does it mean to be truly great in God’s eyes? In a world that
prizes recognition, success, and honor, Jesus offers a radically
different vision—one that exalts the lowly and humbles the
proud.
Today’s Gospel takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly
life as He participates in the Passover celebrations in the Temple.
Throughout that week, He faced ongoing opposition and envy from the
very religious leaders entrusted with guiding God’s people. Though
these leaders gravely failed in their sacred duties, Jesus does not
rebuke them out of resentment but with divine charity and a desire
for their conversion. Of note, He does not address them directly,
but speaks about them to the crowds and His disciples, humbling
them through public correction. By doing so, Jesus makes it clear
that His words are not merely a historical critique. They are a
lasting teaching for every generation, offering timeless guidance
for the Church and for every soul striving for holiness.
The scribes and Pharisees held legitimate authority. Having “taken
their seat on the chair of Moses,” they were official interpreters
of the Law. Jesus does not condemn the office, only the corruption
of those who occupied it. The faithful are instructed to follow the
teachings that conform to God’s law, even if the leaders’ lives
fall short. This reminds us that the efficacy of the Church’s
sacraments and teachings—entrusted today to the “chair of
Peter”—depends not on the personal holiness of the minister, but on
the divine authority of the office.
What Jesus does condemn is the hypocrisy of the scribes and
Pharisees. They impose heavy burdens without offering help. Their
religious observance is external, not flowing from hearts aflame
with love. They seek titles and status—honor without humility—and
in doing so, distort the very Law they claim to uphold.
Jesus contrasts this shallow religiosity with true holiness. He
calls for interior conversion over external display. This message
echoes the words of the prophets and resounds through the life of
the Church, especially in the radiant witness of the saints. Time
and again, we are reminded that humility and authenticity—not
performance or prestige—mark the path of true discipleship.
Though His rebukes are sharp, the heart of Jesus’ message is love.
He calls each of us to discover a higher form of greatness rooted
in service, self-forgetfulness, and humility. “The greatest among
you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11–12). In
these words, Jesus unveils the paradox of the Kingdom: To descend
in humility is to ascend in glory.
Though we may not sit on the chair of Moses or Peter, the sins of
the scribes and Pharisees often echo in our own hearts. Their
hypocrisy was outward—displays of piety, love of titles, and the
burdening of others without compassion. Even without their
authority or status, we may harbor what might be called a
“hypocrisy of desire.” We long for recognition, crave influence, or
quietly seek affirmation more than holiness. These hidden desires,
even if never acted upon, reveal an interior disposition that
mirrors the pride Jesus condemns.
Reflect today on any desires within your heart that are selfish or
self-elevating rather than humble and oriented toward service. True
charity always seeks the good of the other first. And
paradoxically, it is precisely this self-forgetful love that brings
about our own exaltation—not by our striving, but by God’s grace.
Humble yourself, and God will lift you up. Exalt yourself, and your
self-exaltation will be your only reward.
Lord of perfect humility, You never exalted Yourself, despite
Your being the Son of God and Second Person of the Most Holy
Trinity. Teach me to imitate and participate in Your humility,
permitting myself to be lifted up on Your Cross, living
sacrificially for You and others. In that humble, selfless, and
sacrificial love, may I one day also share in Your glory. Jesus, I
trust in You.
Image: Sermon on the Mount, by August Stalins and Alfons
Janssens
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