Gospel in Art: For they preach, but do not practise

The Hypocrite and a Slanderer, by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt, 1783, Tin Alloy © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 March 2025
Matthew 23:1-12

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practise. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market-places and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'

Reflection on the sculpture

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's sculpture A Hypocrite and a Slanderer, modelled between 1770-1783, vividly captures the essence of hypocrisy through its exaggerated facial expressions and contorted features. Part of his renowned series of "Character Heads," the work seeks to explore complex human emotions, and here Messerschmidt presents a figure whose twisted grimace and strained posture reflect deceit, duplicity, and insincerity. The uncomfortable expression suggests someone speaking falsely or harbouring ill intent while pretending otherwise. The sculpture is good visual metaphor for hypocrisy, which involves presenting a virtuous exterior while concealing dishonest motives. The sculpture's merging of hypocrite and slanderer underscores how those who criticise or judge others unjustly are often guilty of similar faults themselves, exposing the familiar contradiction of not practising what one preaches.

During Lent, we are invited to engage in deep self-examination, reflecting on the ways our lives may not align with the faith we profess. Jesus delivers a pointed critique of the scribes and Pharisees in today's Gospel reading, condemning their hypocrisy: "They preach but do not practise." He highlights how they perform religious duties to gain approval and status rather than out of genuine devotion. This warning is not just directed at religious leaders of his time but serves as a timeless call for all believers to examine whether we, too, sometimes focus more on appearances than on cultivating a sincere relationship with God.

Lent provides us with the opportunity to strip away pretences and ask ourselves challenging questions: Do we say the right things but fail to live them out? Are our acts of charity, fasting, and prayer motivated by love for God and neighbour, or by a desire for recognition? Jesus urges his followers to embrace humility. True discipleship involves living out our faith authentically, allowing our words and actions to be consistent. Lent, with its emphasis on repentance, prayer, and almsgiving, invites us to turn away from hypocrisy, to approach God with honest hearts, and to seek his grace to live more faithfully, not for human praise but for God's glory.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-1-12-2025/ (with audio)