When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees
began to act with hostility toward him.

Luke 11:53

Luke 11:47-54

Reflection

Once again, the scholars of the law, or scribes, are being shamed by Jesus in a severe manner. He blames them for condoning the actions of their ancestors in killing the prophets. Jesus even says that their generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets. What a charge to place on top of another death they’ll be responsible for – Jesus himself.

The end of this Gospel is interesting because it can be applied in a unique way today. When we preach the Gospel and evangelize to others, many times, it will fall upon deaf or hostile ears. We can feel attacked by such people, who desire to trick or catch us about a particular Church teaching or Christian value. Let us stand firm in our faith when such things occur, and respond lovingly.

On the flip side, when do we act like the scholars of the law and the Pharisees, trying to trap others in their words and beliefs to prove them wrong, whether it be about religious matters or not? We must be loving, compassionate, and considerate to all we encounter, especially to those who are hostile towards us.

Many ancient prophets and modern saints have died for the Faith. Let’s honor the memory of our ancestors in faith in a true and humble way – unlike the scholars of the law – for they died for Christ, and we remember them not only for their holiness, but because of our faith and belief in the Lord.

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Saint of the Day

St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr: ~AD 50 – 117

“There is one Physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first possible and then impossible,[7] even Jesus Christ our Lord.”

St. Ignatius of Antioch, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Chapter VII