In today's gospel Jesus lowers the boom on the Pharisees. What it points to most clearly is the warning to those who exercise authority, especially in the religious sphere. Just as with contemporary religious leaders, not all are men (and women!!!) who need to be condemned for their actions. Indeed, some are the salvation of the others and for us! Paul and Nicodemus were Pharisees at one point in their careers. Neither wanted to kill Jesus but both were willing to die for the Son of Man.
The genuine challenge for anyone in authority is to realize that power is a given gift that needs to be exercised with greatest of care whether a person is the CEO or a secretary directing summer interns. Too often a person in charge is tempted to be too boastful and to "sanctify the trivial."
How often have we encountered those who get into their work and then take it so seriously that they drive others away. Sometimes given power over others has brought some leaders to imagine themselves as God or just a little less. In short order these pharisaical folks are beginning to let there words and directions be that of the person with the most authority be it God or the boss.
The solution? Just remember there is much goodness and success to be found in humility.
