Unmasked

Earlier in Matthew's gospel we saw Jesus' compassion for the people such as when they were "like sheep without a shepherd." This week we see that same compassion expressed in a different way as he declares seven "woes" against the Pharisees and Scribes - the teachers (shepherds!) of the people who do not practice what they preach and put on a show of righteousness that is merely a façade. As they reject his truth and love, Jesus grieves over what must take place – the desolation of Jerusalem. And yet, there is a word of hope in the promise that they will one day see him again and cry out, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."