Christian Art | Hypocrites
Matthew 7: 1-5 – Week 12 Ordinary Time, Monday (Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
1 JUDGE not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Jesus continues to preach the Sermon on the Mount with a further lesson in love and humility. Once more, Jesus teaches us about our proper relationships with God and with other people. This is a lesson against conceit and anger. It is a call to peace, such as can heal the divisions between people.
Jesus reminds us that we are all imperfect. Through prayer, as we seek to live closely with God, and to reconcile ourselves with God, we present ourselves to God’s mercy and acknowledge our failings and weaknesses. We ask God to be kind and not to judge us. We are not justified through merit, but through grace. Our faith, our receptivity to God’s grace, depends upon our remembering to transcend those worldly instincts, our animal passions, which would rather seek to assert self-importance and pride, thereby distancing ourselves from the gift of grace.
Jesus asks us to realise that to judge other people is to set ourselves up, absurdly, in God’s place. Who are we to judge? Are we so perfect? What arrogance it would be to arrogate to ourselves the right to define another person’s worth, especially when seeking that this should be to our own advantage..
Such judgement represents a descent into hatred and ignorance. It is not good for he who judges. Through ‘puffing ourselves up’ in condemnation of others, we cease to love and our ability to confess our failings before God is compromised.
This can be easier said than done. It can be challenging to preserve an attitude of love. Perhaps we like to find excuses to judge others, rather than open ourselves completely to God and to mourn for the sins we have committed. Self-knowledge, honesty, can be a great challenge, and can constitute an emotional journey.
Jesus teaches us in these Gospel verses that we do not need to be scared of admitting to our own shortcomings. Jesus uses comically exaggerated language, when he speaks of there being a beam in our own eye, to set us at ease and to enable us to recognize the truth of what he says. Once again, Jesus lets us know that the ‘burden’ of Christianity is easy to bear. There is a lightness to life when we live with Jesus. We are cleaned of the truly sorry burden of ego. The truth is beautiful.
‘Let us be slow to judge. Each one sees things from his own point of view, as his mind, with all its limitations, tells him, and through eyes that are often dimmed and clouded by passion… To criticize, to destroy, is not difficult; any unskilled labourer knows how to drive his pick into the noble and finely-hewn stone of a cathedral. To construct: that is what requires the skill of a master.’ St Josemaria Escriva.
Concluding Prayer
Stay with us, Lord Jesus, as evening falls:
be our companion on our way.
In your mercy inflame our hearts and raise our hope,
so that, in union with our brethren,
we may recognize you in the scriptures,
and in the breaking of Bread.
Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Audio Bible KJV | Endnotes
Hypocrites
The word ‘hypocrite’ is used often in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. The term originally referred to actors who wore masks in Greek theatre, playing different roles to deceive the audience. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus warned against hypocritical judgment:
‘Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.’ (Matthew 7:1-5, KJV)
Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one’s own faults. The message is clear: before pointing out the faults of others, we must first examine ourselves and our own shortcomings.
Christians have discussed the concept of hypocrisy and the importance of avoiding it. Protestant Reformer Martin Luther wrote: ‘To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.’ Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and devotion to God, rather than merely performing religious actions without true conviction.
Saint Francis de Sales wrote: ‘The true way to advance in holy virtues is to persevere in prayer.’ He stresses the importance of personal devotion and seeking a deeper relationship with God, rather than merely performing religious actions as a form of self-promotion or hypocrisy.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, also emphasized the importance of avoiding hypocrisy. Wesley wrote: ‘Cleanse your heart from every kind and degree of hypocrisy, and let all your things be done as in the presence of God.’ Wesley believed that true faith and genuine devotion to God would naturally lead to righteous actions, rather than empty displays of religious practice.
In the modern era, religious leaders continue to emphasize the importance of avoiding hypocrisy. Pope Francis has spoken frequently about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living a genuine, compassionate life. He has said: ‘When we are indifferent to the suffering of others, when we close our hearts to the needs of the poor, we are not disciples of Jesus; we are disciples of our own ego.’
The poem presents a spiritual progression from weariness and disconnection to renewed purpose and communion with the divine. Herbert describes a personal journey marked by exhaustion, seeking rest after being drawn away by worldly pleasures. Imagery of travel, with Herbert and his horse both ‘tired, body and mind’, introduces a state of spiritual depletion. The search for respite in an inn, a place of temporary shelter, symbolizes the soul pausing in its pursuit of lasting fulfillment. The moment of pause becomes transformative, as Herbert unexpectedly encounters Christ, described as ‘my dearest Lord’, waiting as a silent presence, ready to offer comfort once the grief brought by pleasures subsides [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
We discover in these verses of the Bible two distinct and complementary impulses which are at work in our relationship with God, exemplified by the shepherds and by Mary [ … ]
