While preparing to write this reflection, I tried to find some part of what Joshua, the psalmist, or the Christ said to highlight, but my focus kept shifting to the Pharisees.  In many places in the Gospels, we find the Pharisees testing Jesus about specific issues or raising concerns about the people with whom Jesus associated.  As a child, my simplistic view of the Pharisees was that they were a group of villains, single-mindedly in opposition to all that Jesus taught, who repeatedly used tricky questions in their attempts to trip up Jesus.  The Pharisees were single-minded about some things, but not about Jesus.  Given that some Pharisees came to follow Jesus, it is likely that the group had some anti-Jesus and pro-Jesus elements, with many not yet decided.  When they came as a group to ask Jesus questions, the individuals likely came with different purposes: some to trap Him; some to see if His answers were acceptable, according to the prevailing pharisaical interpretation of the day; and some because they were drawn by the Spirit to hear and learn.

The Pharisees were united, though, in their emphasis on the importance of the Law of Moses.  In their view, the Law was not just for priests in the Temple, but for all children of Israel to observe at all times.  Pharisees were devout individuals who spent a lot of time studying and debating the Law, and they were known for leading righteous lives (as Jesus intimated in Matthew 5:20).  In fact, they are the sort of people you would love to have in your parish or Bible study group.  They ask serious questions – in today’s reading, about divorce.  They follow rules.  They value Scripture.  They worship regularly.

Jesus never criticizes the Pharisees for valuing the Law, but He regularly challenges their misinterpretations and misuses.  When Pharisees reject “bad people” like tax collectors, prostitutes and non-Jews, Jesus (who 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us wants ALL to be saved) dines with these folks and invites them to follow Him.  When Pharisees condemn individuals who violate God’s Law, Jesus (who John 3:17 reminds us came NOT to condemn but to save the world) extends mercy and forgiveness.  In short, Jesus challenges the Pharisees for misusing God’s Word as a tool to keep people from coming close to God.  It can be tempting to follow a path similar to that of the Pharisees, rejecting people whose actions and words we find distasteful.  Instead, Jesus calls His followers to forgive, to show mercy, to extend love to all.

Loving God, forgive me when I too often view myself and others in ways that lead to divisions.  Lead me away from the temptations to judge, especially when those judgements cause me to forget how often you have forgiven me.  Help me to avoid saying and doing things that make it more difficult for people to come close to You.  Fill me with your Spirit so that, in all I say and do, so that I see and love others as Christ would have me do.  Amen.