VOICE OF THE LOGOS (14): REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

The Holier-Than-Thou Attitude That Leads to One’s Own Downfall

First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 91(92):2-3,13-16
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Gospel: Luke 6:39-45
________________________________________

It is not uncommon to encounter people who act as though they are morally superior to others. We see this in religious communities, workplaces, and even among friends and family members. There are those who believe they are above reproach, quick to point out the faults of others while remaining blind to their own shortcomings. This kind of attitude often labelled as “holier-than-thou” can be found in the way some religious individuals treat those they perceive as sinners, how some leaders impose rules they themselves do not follow, or even in the self-righteousness displayed on social media, where people judge others harshly without self-reflection. While they claim to uphold truth and justice, their words and actions reveal hypocrisy. Ironically, history and personal experiences show that such people often end up exposing their own failings and suffering public disgrace. The very pride that makes them look down on others eventually becomes the cause of their downfall. A very typical example here is Michael Voris, the founder of Church Militant. For years, Voris and Church Militant took an aggressive stance in exposing what they saw as corruption, moral failings, and doctrinal laxity within the Catholic Church. He often condemned bishops, priests, and laypeople whom he perceived as compromising the faith, sometimes with a tone of moral superiority, to the extent that he also criticized Pope Francis, calling him to resign. However, in 2023, Voris resigned from Church Militant after reports surfaced about his personal struggles and misconduct relating to homosexuality and other moral issues he once condemned in the Church, revealing a contrast between his public persona and his private life. In this vein, today’s readings call us to reflect on the dangers of hypocrisy and self-righteousness, both of which are central to the “holier-than-thou” attitude.

Beginning with the First Reading from the wisdom of Sirach (Sirach 27:5-8), the passage emphasizes the importance of judging others with caution and highlights that a person’s true character is revealed through their actions, especially their words. Sirach uses imagery such as a sieve and a potter’s furnace to illustrate how a person’s true nature is tested and exposed over time. The passage warns against prematurely praising or judging someone based on outward appearances, as their words and deeds will ultimately reveal their integrity. It calls for self-awareness and reflection on one’s own actions before pointing out the faults of others. Just as a sieve separates waste from useful grain and a potter’s work is tested in a furnace, human speech exposes a person’s inner state. If someone habitually speaks with arrogance and self-righteousness, their words will betray their hypocrisy. The passage also reflects the Hebrew concept of “tahor” (purity) versus “tamei” (impurity). In Jewish thought, external ritual purity was meant to reflect an inner purity of heart, yet those with a “holier-than-thou” mindset often focus on appearances while neglecting their own inner corruption.

This sentiment is closely connected to the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 92), which speaks of the righteousness of those who are rooted in God. The Psalmist says, “The just man shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow.” This imagery of the flourishing, righteous person aligns with Sirach’s teaching. Just as the righteous are like healthy, strong trees, standing firm and bearing fruit, so too are their actions and words a reflection of their integrity. The Psalm describes how the just person is deeply rooted in the house of the Lord, bearing fruit even in old age. This reflects the idea that the purity of one’s heart, tested and confirmed by time, produces good fruit in both words and actions. The contrast to the “holier-than-thou” attitude is seen here: those who are truly righteous do not need to boast or show off their goodness; their integrity is evident in the way they live their lives, just as a tree’s fruit speaks for itself. Both the Psalm and Sirach point to the importance of consistent righteousness, where true character, like the flourishing tree, is seen not by outward judgment but by a life that reflects inner purity and virtue.

The Gospel reading from Luke (6:39-45) continues this theme by addressing the dangers of hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. Jesus asks, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” In these words, Jesus highlights the inconsistency and foolishness of one who judges others while remaining unaware of their own faults. The Greek root word “hypocrites” (ὑποκριτής), which refers to an actor or pretender, is key here. It signifies someone who wears a mask, pretending to be something they are not. This reflects the “holier-than-thou” attitude, where outward righteousness is displayed while the inner reality is far from pure. Jesus’ teaching directly warns against this kind of self-righteousness, urging us to first deal with our own shortcomings before attempting to correct others. The metaphor of the “blind leading the blind” speaks to the futility of offering spiritual guidance or moral correction if one’s own vision is clouded by pride and hypocrisy.

The Gospel further teaches that “a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” This illustrates the principle of inner purity; the good that comes from within manifests outwardly in one’s actions, words, and relationships. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a person’s true nature will eventually be revealed by their conduct. The “holier-than-thou” attitude is exposed for what it is – a mere external appearance, lacking in the genuine goodness that comes from a pure heart. Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on our own integrity and examine whether our actions are in line with our professed values.

Moving to the Second Reading from 1 Corinthians (15:54-58), St. Paul provides a final perspective on living with integrity and consistency. Paul speaks of the resurrection and the victory over death, which is made possible through the power of Christ. His encouragement to remain steadfast and unmovable in our work for the Lord is a reminder of the importance of authentic faith. For Paul, integrity and righteousness come not from appearing holy or self-righteous but from the genuine transformation that Christ’s resurrection brings to a believer’s life. The Greek root word ἀναστάσις (anastasis), meaning resurrection, carries the idea of new life; a life in which the believer is constantly transformed from the inside out. This transformation is the antidote to the “holier-than-thou” attitude, as true faith demands a continual turning away from hypocrisy and a growing alignment of our hearts with the will of God.

Both the Gospel and the Second Reading urge us to examine our hearts and ensure that our outward actions match the thoughts and reality of the heart. True holiness comes not from judgment or condemnation of others but from the personal integrity and consistency that arise from a life rooted in Christ. Jesus calls us to humility, self-awareness, and authenticity, while Paul reminds us that victory over sin and death is not about outward appearances but about the ongoing transformation that comes through the resurrection. These lessons speak to our daily lives, calling us to avoid the temptation of self-righteousness and to focus instead on cultivating genuine, humble faith that aligns our actions with the truth. We must be vigilant not to fall into the trap of judging others hastily or acting as though we are morally superior. Instead, we are invited to lead lives of sincerity, where our inner purity aligns with our outward actions. This means not only striving for personal holiness but also recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of others, without self-righteous judgment. We are called to examine our own flaws first, and with humility, offer guidance and support to others. The message is clear: true goodness flows from within, and it is through our integrity, rooted in Christ, that we bear good fruit in our relationships with others.

O that today you would listen to his VOICE, harden not your hearts! (Ps. 95:7)

____________________________

Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Seminário Padre Pedro Magnone, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com

__________________________
Have you prayed your rosary today?