Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Marcelo Cataneo SVD – Trento, Agusan del Sur
Tuesday 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Many times I have heard the expression, ‘Kaplastik nimo!’, which is the bisayan version of a superficial, unauthentic, false, not sincere and even snobby person. In a word, someone who is just playing a convenient role without showing what he/she really thinks and feels.
I can’t help but imagine the Pharisees and Sadducees approaching Jesus and questioning him about certain traditions as ‘plastic people’. They were very keen in fulfilling all sort of regulations, traditions and rituals. Considered as the ‘pious ones’ among the people, they followed a very strict way of living.
Jesus, sensing the superficiality of their question, did not answer directly. He addressed the core of the situation. He pointed to the way the Pharisees ‘follow’ a religion. However, they do this without themselves living what their faith truly demands. So, they were entrapped by their own interpretation of the laws and customs. They fulfilled these laws and customs without finding in their piety a light that could guide them. They could not guide others either.
I can also be very demanding with myself and others about fulfilling policies, rituals and traditions. A fundamental question is how all of these ‘means’ assist in living an authentic life. Will they help me and others lead a committed, incarnated, and witnessing faith?
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