There's something profoundly beautiful about how Jesus cuts straight to the heart of what faith should look like. In Matthew 23, we witness our Lord addressing one of the most persistent challenges of religious life. When Jesus speaks about the scribes and Pharisees who "do not practice what they preach," He's not just critiquing ancient religious leaders. He's holding up a mirror to every one of us who has ever struggled with the gap between what we profess and how we live. This passage isn't meant to discourage us but to awaken us to the radical authenticity that Catholic faith demands.
What strikes me most powerfully is Jesus's call to humility in verse 11: "The greatest among you must be your servant." This isn't just a nice sentiment - it's the blueprint for Christian greatness that turns worldly success on its head. In our Catholic tradition, we see this lived out in countless saints who found their glory not in titles or recognition, but in washing feet, feeding the poor, and laying down their lives in service. Think about Saint Mother Teresa, who could have remained comfortable but chose instead to serve the dying in Calcutta's streets. Her greatness came not from seeking honor but from embracing the humble path Jesus outlined in this very gospel.
The beauty of Jesus's teaching here is that it offers us freedom from the exhausting burden of trying to impress others with our piety. How liberating it is to know that our faith doesn't require us to wear heavy spiritual burdens or make grand displays of devotion! Instead, Jesus invites us into a relationship where authenticity matters more than appearances, where our love for Him is measured not by how others see us but by how genuinely we serve. This is the kind of faith that actually changes lives, not just our own, but the lives of everyone we encounter.
When we embrace this authentic Catholic discipleship that Jesus describes, something remarkable happens. We discover that true spiritual authority doesn't come from demanding respect but from earning it through love and service. We find that the faith we've been searching for isn't about being perfect, but about allowing Jesus to transform us from the inside out. This is the faith that draws people to Jesus, not because they're impressed by what they see us do, but because they see in us the genuine love and humility of Jesus Himself. So let's stop trying to be impressive. Our faith must be humble and private as we do all we can to draw others to Jesus. Let's trade our heavy religious burdens for the light yoke of authentic love. This is the faith that changes everything, starting with our own hearts and rippling out to touch a world that desperately needs
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
