My dear people of God, today is the 31st Sunday in ordinary time year A. In our gospel reading today, Jesus told his audience to obey the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, but to avoid their behavior. During his earthly mission, the Scribes and Pharisees did not find it easy with Jesus because of their attitude. One of the things Jesus confronted them with, was their hypocrisy. They pretended to be very religious, pious and holy, but deep inside them is full of greed, extortion, falsehood and hatred. Hence, Jesus described them as whitewashed tombs which look beautiful on outside but on the inside is full of dead bones and everything unclean (cf. Mt. 23: 27). Secondly, they were obsessed for honor and titles: they love to be called Rabi or master, and wanted to be treated as such at every event they attended. In other words, they have strong attachment to power and social esteem…love to have the place of honor at banquet and best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi (cf. Mt. 23:6-7). Suffice it to say that, they were prone to both intellectual and spiritual pride. Unlike Moses, who was a humble father figure, preaching the law and practicing it, interceding God’s mercy and forgiveness of the people’s sins, the Pharisees and scribes failed to be good spiritual leaders to God’s children. And so, when Jesus said call no one teacher, or father, he was basically condemning the ugly behaviour of those who occupied the seat of authority. They tell people what they should do, but they made no effort to practise what they teach. The same problem Jesus condemned centuries ago still exists in our time, beginning from the sanctuary to the pew. Today, many faithful have received untold shocks of abuses from their religious leaders and the cloud of hypocrisy that has surrounded it. Today, we have preachers telling people about love but would never care to practice love. We have preachers who give the best sermons on forgiveness but keep people in the darkness of resentment. We have preachers who give lovely and moving messages on kindness but would never lift a finger to do even the smallest charity. As a result, some of the faithful have felt wounded, discouraged and left the church. However, it is good to know that the human element in the church can fail, but Jesus will never fail. The church leaders can fail and betray their position, yet the word of God remains both living and powerful, much more piercing than a two-edged sword. Christ is the Word, the power and the wisdom of God. And so, we must not throw away the baby with the bathwater. Abuse of an office does not nullify the validity of the office itself. Those who distance themselves from the church because they heard or saw unbecoming behaviour on the part of some church ministers may indeed be throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Today, Jesus is telling us what we need to believe and the right thing to do. That is, to avoid the preacher’s short comings and take the message with you. And he is reminding us that all fatherhood, whether in the family setting or among the people of God—comes from the Father in heaven. He doesn’t mean we’re to literally call no man “father.” The fatherhood of the Apostles and their successors, the Church’s priests and bishops, is a spiritual paternity given to raise us as God’s children. Our fathers give us new life in Baptism and feed us the spiritual milk of the Gospel and the Eucharist (see 1 Peter 2:2–3). That’s why Paul, in today’s Epistle, can also compare himself to a nursing mother.God’s fatherhood likewise transcends all human notions of fatherhood and motherhood. (Scott Hans) This message is not only for religious leaders; it is also for anyone who is in a position of influence over others. As a preacher, teacher, mentor, parents, etc. It is a challenge to me as a priest-to reassess myself whether the gospel I preach reflect my personal life. Also, it is a challenge to you my dear friends in Christ, there are people who look up to you as a child of God. Your life can inspire them to see and embrace Jesus in their lives. St. Francis of Assisi once said: “preach Jesus, use words if necessary.” Today, we are called as disciples of Jesus to show good examples that would align with what we peach and teach. Too, we are called to rediscover the honor and privilege we have before God, as disciples of Jesus, and to prize it with high esteem. In doing so, any one who sees or hears us can say of us, yes, that we are truly the children of God.