38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
There are many things that one could celebrate on the Day of Epiphany. The Season of Christmas has finally come to a close. Jesus Christ is the Light that will Shine throughout this Season. He is the one who brings salvation to his people both high and low.
Here the teacher tells us not to praise ourselves but make ourselves humble. I am amazed sometimes to look at all the different trophies and awards that people can accumulate. Some people have vaults full of trophies and medals and awards. These are certainly things to be proud of, but they also cause someone to be prideful.
Jesus is teaching us a lesson in pride. What greater text from the Gospel according to St Mark could you think of to illustrate people packing up all they have to come and see a child. The Day of Epiphany is a time to celebrate our own humility as the Light of the World, the Great Morning Star has put on our flesh. Jesus has humbled himself not to take the place he deserves but the place we deserve, upon a cross.
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