October 13, 2026 – Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Mal 1:14b–2:1, 2b, 8–10; 1 Thess 2:7b–9, 13; Matt 23:1–12
Homily
The two readings we have just heard are so clear that they hardly need any commentary!
Jesus’ attitude toward the Pharisee who had invited him to dine at his home—and toward the Pharisees in general—in the Gospel account we have read is marked by a severity rarely found in His words. This speaks to the importance of the message conveyed by His words.
Jesus is full of understanding and mercy toward all human weakness. But He is extremely severe toward any form of hypocrisy. And it is hypocrisy that is at the heart of this story.
The practice of the law—of any law, and therefore also of our monastic rules—has meaning only if it truly corresponds to a disposition of the heart.
The same message is conveyed to us in Paul’s words to the Galatians regarding circumcision. We are not saved by any rite or observance whatsoever. Salvation is a pure gift from God, an act of love that asks only to be received with love. Any observance of the Law finds its meaning when it is an expression of such love.
Armand Veilleux