In this section of Matthew’s Gospel Jesus is in constant debate and conflict with the scribes and pharisees. As the religious leaders of Israel, they should have been calling the people to holiness and a deeper relationship with God. They set up a form of relating to God based on a set of rules and regulations regarding paying the tithe of certain agricultural goods and external acts of purification. Their relationship with God did not penetrate their hearts and did not have much effect on their form of life. In addition to all the rules and regulations in the Old Testament, the scribes and pharisees added more regulations. At that time, there were many books written interpreting and regulating the rules in the Old Testament. The Word of God expressed in the Law in the Old Testament was meant to produce holiness in the people. The Word of God was twisted and reduced to set of external legal rules. Their holiness was based on the weight of the tithes, the cleanliness of cups and dishes, and other rules and regulations. All of this did not touch their life, their way of living with each other, nor their relationship with God. They had embraced a “light” lifestyle – an easy way of living with God and their neighbors.
Today in a similar way we live in a “light” culture. In the USA, most of our adult population is overweight. Rather than controlling our eating styles, we continue with the same habits but consume light soda, light cake, light crackers or light chocolate. Many of us as we grow older become lactose intolerant. Rather than abstaining from dairy products, we consume the same milk and cheese but now lactose free or we simply take a pill that cures bloating. We are “light” human beings. Like the scribes and pharisees we apply this lightness to our relationship with God and others. We have become light Christians or worse false Christians – Christians without service, without the Cross.
Jesus calls the scribes and pharisees, and all who have their attitude, hypocrites. He sends them “woe” and calls them blind. Today Jesus says the rules and regulations are important but the basis behind the rule is more important. Jesus calls them and us to the weightier values of life. He specifically mentions judgment and mercy and fidelity. What a joy for us as Christians to have Jesus who calls us back to the true way to a good relationship with God and others. He even points out the important, weightier values in life to us and then lives them.
Take some time today to reflect on the weightier things in life. What are the base values in your life? Where are judgement, mercy, and fidelity in your lifestyle?
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
Image: CANVA CJ Dunn 23 August 2026 AI Generated.