Jesus’ teaching that our virtue must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees doesn’t tend to surprise us. After all, they are more or less the villains in the story, seeking to harass and ultimately murder Jesus. Yet, these words would have been deeply shocking to Jesus’ original listeners. Their understanding of the scribes, and especially the Pharisees, was that they were the holy people who followed the law to a seemingly excessive and unattainable degree. Indeed, the Pharisees follow the law about tithing to such an exacting extent that they tithe even the herbs in the garden (Matthew 23:23). Is entering the Kingdom nigh on impossible?

Jesus’ complaint about the scribes and the Pharisees, however, is not that they should follow the external dictates of the law more scrupulously. Rather, he accuses them of being hypocrites, pursuing the appearance of righteousness but not allowing their hearts to be changed (Matthew 23:27). He elaborates by saying: The law says, ‘Do not murder’ (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21)—an external crime of action—but Jesus teaches that one is not even to be angry with a brother or sister, which calls for an internal change of heart (Matthew 5:22).

This Lenten season calls us to deepen our response to God’s word. We undertake specific actions in accordance with the law—especially prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-18). These actions are important, but mere external compliance is not what is called for. Rather, we are called to a deep change of heart.

We are called to leave our offering (an external requirement of the law) and first be reconciled with our brothers and sisters (Matthew 5:23-24). May this Lenten journey work a change in our hearts too.

by Fr Michael Grace