In the first reading of the Book of Isaiah, the main message is that whatever disasters befell on Jerusalem were punishment for its people's infidelity. If they repented and are obedient, they will again enjoy the fruits of the land. The people of Jerusalem's behaviour are linked with Sodom and Gomorrah's ancient cities, which were both destroyed by fire from heaven (Gen. 19).

The rulers of Jerusalem are called "rulers of Sodom", and its people, "the people of Gomorrah" to show how sinful the whole city had become, especially in its treatment of the poor, orphans and widows. In this regard, the constant sacrifice of animals or celebration of religious festivals does not please the Lord. What God wants from His people is repentance, a complete turning of their hearts to Him.

The rulers of Jerusalem failed to lead the people to God. Those in leadership at the time of Jesus were also failing in their responsibility. Chosen by Jesus for harsh criticism are the scribes and Pharisees, the day's religious leaders and intellectuals. Instead of helping the people draw closer to God, they are caught up with self-display and the desire for honorific titles and showy religious practices. Jesus warns the people to avoid the religious style of these "rulers."

Today's readings highlight the importance of God-fearing religious rulers, who can lead the people to God.

Lord, we pray for our religious leaders.   



3月2日（ 二 ）  四旬期第二週

依撒意亞先知書　1:10,16-20
聖詠　50[49]:8-9,16-17,21,23
瑪竇福音　23:1-12

表裏不一的虛偽宗教行為，由先知到耶穌的時代，都備受偉大的宗教領袖們所譴責。致力滿全福音要求，竭力遵守教會建議的宗教責任的好教友，也許會想，這裏斥責的偽善，與自己無多大關係。就讓我們仔細看看吧！

「偽善」離不開公然作假、嘩眾取寵的成分，即外在的宗教行為並沒有相稱的內在皈依。這確實是先知們的言下之意，也符合耶穌的教訓。不過，耶穌斥責的「假善人」，通常是指那些遵守宗教禮規謹慎過度的人。就好像：如果天主要求一樣，多做幾樣就較為安全！如果天主要求每星期守齋一次，那麼，以防萬一，守兩、三次，就肯定合乎天主的意願了！這種想法容易使人假裝或賣弄炫耀自己的行為，也傷害了那些老老實實的虔敬教友，亦無疑是接受了誘惑，當天主是「簿記員」。可是，天主是愛，祂的愛將人釋放。

主，勿讓我們被錯誤的宗教觀念所捆綁，但要以一顆自由和慷慨的心去事奉祢。