Wednesday, October 28, 2020  

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Luke 11:37–52
While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.” One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. So you are witnesses and approve of the deeds of your ancestors; for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ so that this generation may be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generation. Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” (NRSV)

Reflection
I’m a huge rule follower. It helps me stay on track with what’s expected of me. This is true in so many parts of my life. I will try any baking recipe because it is precise and methodical. Give me something to cook instead, and I’m immediately anxious to gauge things based on taste and sight. I like structure. I often joke with colleagues about the joy I get from making to-do lists and crossing off items upon completion, including “make a to-do list” on said list.

We have rules and systems for a reason, but that doesn’t always mean they’re right for the future, much less the current moment. When it comes to laws and policies and social perspectives that lead to hate or oppression, we need to reimagine the intent and purpose of said rules. This is an ever-growing fear in our society now that more laws and structure equate a better society. The real question is, for whom?

Today’s scripture is one of many times Jesus confronts those in power with their hypocrisy. The Pharisees may follow every ritual and rule externally, but they are simultaneously filled with judgment, prejudice, and greed—traits that in no way honor God. There is no true purpose to the rules and power they uphold if they are void of justice and mercy. This still rings true today: we must question our actions and the structures we fall into. Are they built from a place of love? Or are they merely a façade to perpetuate power and control over others?

Prayer
God of justice, show us how to lead lives of love and mercy. Remind us to question and fight against structures that silence or oppress our sisters and brothers. Let us lead lives filled with justice for the least. Amen.

Written by Jackie Lorens Harris, Director, Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email