“Why are you testing me, you hypocrites”
What is a hypocrite? A hypocrite is someone who “pretends to have virtues or moral qualities that are not possessed. Its motive is pride.” [1] St. Jerome writes, “Pretended holiness is double malice,” because not only is someone not being holy, the person is faking it.
Why were the Pharisees hypocrites? The word “hypocrite” is Greek for “actor.” The disciples of the Pharisees were playing as actors. The words they used came out sincerely and they posed the question to Jesus as piously as possible, but their intentions were not seeking truth, rather seeking to destroy Jesus.
St. Gregory the Great wrote movingly about hypocrisy: “The devil silently possesses the hearts of hypocrites and quietly sleeps in them, whilst he gives them no peace.” “Those who in order to cheat their neighbor, appear outwardly pious and holy, whilst inwardly they are full of malice; those who have honey on the tongue, but gall in the heart, and sting like scorpions, when we least expect it ... therefore Christ has denounced no sin more emphatically than this one.” [2]
Are we all hypocrites? No. “It is not hypocrisy, however, to be on one’s best behavior with those whom one justly wishes to impress favorably. Nor is it hypocrisy when a person, because of human weakness, fails to live up to his or her own principles or profession of faith.” [3]
How can we strive to not be hypocritical? We must strive for holiness. This begins with respect for all. Every person was created in God’s image and likeness, and we must show respect to them. This does not mean pleasing everyone, because as we see in this week’s Gospel, Jesus is not looking to please the Pharisees or the Herodians, but to give them the truth that they seek. Because we are in the image and likeness of God, we must show respect and dignity to every soul we come in contact with. When Christ asks, “Whose image is this?” (Mat. 22:20), He desires that due respect be given to the person whose image it is. The image of God is Jesus. We are asked to give to God what belongs to Him, which is our whole self. “Is it not the likeness of God, a likeness painted with the blood of Jesus, an image for which the Savior gave His life? Should I defile and deform this by sin and voluptuousness? God forbid!” [4]
As mentioned earlier, it is not hypocritical for us to strive for holiness, but fall short out of our weakness. If we continue to strive to do God’s will, we are not hypocrites. If we are lazy and/or wanting to sin, then we need to run to reconciliation to strengthen our resolve and not be like the Pharisees.
Lastly, as mentioned in a previous lesson about government and whether they perform well or poorly in our eyes, we must remember to always continue praying for them. Let us be generous, not hypocritical, and be the hands and feet to bring about a common good in our world. Our relationship with the civil authorities should become “a path to sanctity: the payment of taxes, the power to vote, our involvement in association for public welfare, active participation in political life should that be our calling...Let us examine ourselves today to see if we are truly being good examples to others of fostering the common good.” [5] Am I praying that the government serves the greater good of the city, state, and country, or am I hoping they fail? What else can I be doing to help serve my community?
In the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostomos we pray, “For our country, the president, and all those in public service, let us pray to the Lord.” [6] Later in the Divine Liturgy the leader is prayed for by name. “Furthermore we pray for this country, its ruler, (title and name of the ruler), its people, civil authorities and armed forces.” [7]
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[1] Modern Catholic Dictionary pg. 261
[2] The Church’s Year pg. 453
[3] Modern Catholic Dictionary pg. 262
[4] The Church’s Year pg. 454-455
[5] In Conversation with God 5, 46.1
[6] The Divine Liturgy; The Great Litany and the Antiphons
[7] The Divine Liturgy; Litany of Fervent Supplication