Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Erasio Flores SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Thursday 28th Week in Ordinary Time
I had been away from the Philippines for a long time, twenty-seven years, to be exact. Returning home, I found it quite interesting to listen to the radio, especially on Saturdays. One hears sermons, Bible reflections, and explanations of God’s Word on almost every station. In many ways, this is impressive and even inspiring. It shows the people’s hunger for God’s Word.
Yet there is also a challenge. When one hears obvious contradictions among different preachers and teachers, a question naturally arises: Who is teaching the truth? This is precisely the kind of world we live in today. Information is readily available to everyone. In medicine, for example, especially in herbal medicine, one can listen to countless “experts,” each promoting different remedies and opinions. The same can happen in matters of faith.
Today’s Gospel sheds light on this issue. Jesus utters a series of severe warnings: “Woe to you!” (Luke 11:47-54). His words are directed primarily to the scribes and Pharisees. We know this from the reaction recorded at the end of the passage: “When he went outside, the scribes and Pharisees began to be very hostile toward him” (Luke 11:53).
Who were these Pharisees and scribes?
They were not ordinary people. They were the recognized experts in the Scriptures, the guardians and interpreters of the Law of Moses. They knew the sacred texts thoroughly and could quote them with remarkable precision. Yet Jesus repeatedly condemned them for their hypocrisy. They knew the letter of the Law but often missed its spirit. As Jesus said elsewhere: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6).
The problem was not their knowledge but their failure to understand and live what they taught. They were meticulous about legal observances yet neglected justice, mercy, and the love of God (Luke 11:42). Their interpretation of the Law often burdened people rather than leading them to freedom and life in God (Luke 11:46).
This raises an important question for the Church today: Who has the authority to teach God’s Word authentically?
Certainly, every Christian is encouraged to read the Scriptures, pray with them, and apply them to daily life. St. Paul reminds us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16). However, personal reflection is one thing; teaching others in the name of the Church is another.
The Scriptures reveal that authentic teaching requires being sent by God. In today’s Gospel Jesus declares: “Therefore the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles'” (Luke 11:49). The key word is send.
Throughout salvation history, God calls and sends individuals to speak in His name. Moses was sent to Israel (Exodus 3:10). Jeremiah was sent to the nations (Jeremiah 1:7). The prophets did not appoint themselves; they were commissioned by God.
The same pattern continues in the New Testament. Jesus chose the Twelve and sent them out to preach (Mark 3:13-15). After His resurrection, He commissioned them, saying: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). This mission did not end with the apostles. Through the laying on of hands, their ministry was handed on to their successors (Acts 6:6; 2 Timothy 1:6). Thus, the Church preserves the apostolic mission and safeguards the authentic teaching of Christ.
St. Paul emphasizes this essential principle when he asks: “How can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15). Being sent or commissioned is not merely a formality; it is a guarantee that the message proclaimed remains faithful to the Gospel entrusted by Christ to His Church.
In a world filled with many voices and competing interpretations, we must exercise discernment. Not everyone who speaks about God speaks with the same authority. We should always ask whether a teaching is faithful to Sacred Scripture, the apostolic faith, and the living Tradition of the Church.
Today’s Gospel therefore challenges both teachers and listeners. Teachers must proclaim God’s Word faithfully and humbly. Listeners must seek the truth with discernment and openness. Above all, we must remember that genuine authority in the Church comes not from personal charisma or popularity but from being sent by Christ and remaining faithful to His truth.
May we pray for all who teach the faith, that they may faithfully proclaim the Gospel. And may we, as disciples of Christ, always seek the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).
