Welcome to the World of Woes, Part II. In yesterday’s Gospel from Luke, we heard three of the denunciations of the Pharisees from Jesus. Today three more, now directed to the scholars and teachers of the Law. For each group, the critique is the same. Hypocrisy, failure of words to match deeds, using power to denigrate the dignity of the other, refusing to do the hard work of introspection to learn lessons from history, burdening vulnerable people with constraints that belie the values of a sacred heritage – these startling condemnations seem so out of kilter with the portrait of the mercy, compassion, and lovingkindness we see drawn throughout the Gospels’ witness to Jesus.
Hypocrisy – the one trait that prompts Jesus’ most strident reactions. Hypocrisy – that gap between what is shouted from the rooftop but expressed in actions residing on the first floor or even in the basement of those who would use their authority and talents for their own gain. We share in Jesus’ outrage when we think of the two-faced betrayals and the misuse of power by corrupt politicians, or the abuse of leadership and pastoral care in the sexual abuse scandal in our own beloved Church. We feel the sting of a squandered trust. We ask, with Jesus, how could you??? Who did you see in the mirror each morning? What misplaced energy it must take to lead this double life…
The antidote to hypocrisy is integrity. Here Jesus shows us the way. Integrity – an integrated life where there is indeed no gap between interior inclinations and their outward expression. Jesus – a man of integrity with no shadow side, nothing hidden other than the intimacy with the Father that is beyond our power to imagine.
As an adult, it is rare indeed to appreciate being scolded. No wonder that after their chastisement the authorities begin plotting against Jesus. But as adults we must be brave enough to turn “Woe to you” into a healthy “Woe is me.” We know we will always fall short of the perfect integration of our best intentions and our lived reality. We claim again and again the mercy and forgiveness that flows from our personal encounter with Jesus and his mission. We yearn for that deeper intimacy with him that will redirect and correct, if necessary, our needs and aspirations, healing our wounds and our weaknesses, making us persons of integrity.