Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday of the second week of Lent, March 3rd, 2026

Delivered by Charlene Mahadi from the Parish of Maria Kusumah Karmel in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Isaiah 1: 10.16-20; Rs psalm 50: 8-9.16bc-17.21.23; Matthew 23: 1-12.BE CREDIBLE Our meditation today isentitled: Be Credible. In general, we understand that credibility meanstrustworthiness. This has to do with humans or impersonal ones such asinstitution, wisdom, decision, choices and beliefs. Credibility is basically avirtue that is needed if we are responsible and have convinction toward othersabout what we say and do. The expected result is that we or something can betrusted. This means that one or something is credible. What are the signs ofcredible people? Today the Lord Jesus teaches us one fundamental characteristicof the virtue of credibility. He uses the profiles of the Pharisees and thescribes as His example. They are good at talking and seem so convincing withtheir thoughts and arguments. But their obvious fault is that they don't dowhat they say. Credibility really demands that there should be a proportionalconnection between what is said or discussed with what is done. Words andactions are in line. Theory is expressed in practice. Credibility can standstraight and be useful if its both feet are in function, namely words anddeeds. Those who were criticized by Jesus only stood on one foot, which weretheir words. Their deeds were just zero. They were actually crippled. So Jesus'advice is this: just listen and follow what they say, because it has valuableadvice and wisdom. But never follow their actions. Words and thoughts orconcepts are easier to be made because they do not require much sacrifices.Especially when the aim is to attract, influence, and a way of promotion, wordscan be arranged in an orderly fashion, nice to people's hearing, and as a powerto move feelings and sentiments. But this is still incomplete. It is stilllimping. Deeds and actionsthat have moral influence, faith principles, and human universal values, havetheir higher quality of credibility compared to ordinary actions such aswalking, eating or drinking. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes the acts of justiceand compassion. If people only speak, theorize, promise, and discuss aboutcreating justice and the importance of compassion, then without doing justiceand showing compassion to others, their credibility in faith and moralstandards are questionable. They may feel so confident to talk and explainthings, but they are degrading their quality as humans because they are notcredible. If this meditationencourages us to be credible, it means that we who have responsibilities totake care of others in the fields of teaching, nurturing, guidance andaccompaniment, we should make credibility as a means for our consecration andservice for humanity. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus, teach us to be trustworthy in our words and deeds. Glory tothe Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...