Beware of Pretenders
There is a local song with a chorus that goes like this:
‘Talk yuh Talk yuh mocking pretender
Talk yuh Talk yuh bloody deceiver
Talk yuh Talk yuh serpent master’
I believe the singers, ‘3 Canal’, accurately capture this week’s Gospel Mark 12: 38-44 ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the market places and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers.’
Today Jesus’ words still ring true. There is much pretense. Corporations that publicly donate to worthy causes and with the next hand ‘devour widows houses’; that advertise environmentally friendly yet are significant causes of pollution; individuals that betray positions of trust to prey on the weak and vulnerable.
There is a profound challenge in the words of both the song and the Gospel: to confront the deception and hypocrisy that hides behind masks of honor and respectability. Jesus calls us to discern true integrity, warning against those who exploit their power and privilege while appearing virtuous. In our world today, this may mean questioning leaders, institutions, and even social norms that claim to serve the common good but instead undermine it.
As followers of Christ, we are urged to not only recognize these forms of ‘mocking pretenders’ but to embody a different path—one grounded in humility, genuine service, and compassion for the vulnerable. Jesus’ critique pushes us to look beyond appearances and honor those who quietly and sincerely serve others.
Jesus was courageous in confronting the structures of power that weighed down the weak and vulnerable, boldly challenging the hypocrisy and injustice of his time. As his disciples, we are called to follow his example—not merely by pointing out wrongdoing but by actively working to dismantle systems that oppress or deceive, starting with our own lives.
Let us pray for the wisdom to discern, the courage to speak out, and the grace to live authentically, bringing hope to others and building the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
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