Knowing The Word in Luke 20:45-47, Beware of the Scribes

Jesus warns his disciples about the hypocrisy of the scribes and of their pride of place and position among the people. Their long robes are a mark of distinction of gentlemen of leisure. Apparently some scribes took advantage of impressionable and defenseless widows, encouraging them to make gifts to them beyond their means. Jesus says these scribes will pay a great price at the time of judgment.

Luke 20:45-47

45 And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Prayer:

Lord! going pit from this silence, teach me to be more alert, humble, expectant, than I have been in the past: ever ready to encounter you in quiet, homely ways: in every appeal to my compassion, every act of unselfish love which shows up and humbles my imperfect love, may I recognize you: still walking through the world. Give me that grace of simplicity which alone can receive your mystery.

Come and abide with me!

Meet me, walk with me!

Enlighten my mind!

And then, Come in! Enter my humble life with its poverty and its limitations as you entered the stable of Bethlehem, the workshop of Nazareth, the cottage of Emmaus.

Bless and consecrate the material of that small and ordinary life.

Feed and possess my soul.

Evelyn Underhill, 1875-1941