Javanese society and culture know "Titen Science". This traditional science teaches and hones sensitivity to natural signs. Although the science of titen (Javanese term) is not a scientific science, it has been proven to be useful for mitigating disasters. A collection of observations and natural phenomena that precede the arrival of a disaster can be an accurate sign that the event is most likely to occur.
Titen, in the Javanese Dictionary means: remember, be careful which is cognate with the words: remember, observe, analyze, listen, and the like is a wise way to deduce something from the seemingly repetitive events that occur in nature, place, or person. Although at first it was difficult for people to accept this titen method scientifically, but in its development it can be proven through empirical scientific principles. For example, we can find in statistical research used in survey methods before and after the general election. Then, developments in the digital world, the science of titen is used in the algorithms of various social media platforms or business and human behavior.
In His teaching, Jesus this time invited His followers to follow the behavior of the scribes. Obviously, the goal is not to find fault. Then, on that basis, they can humiliate the scribes. Not! The purpose of the observation is so that they do not emulate the bad thing that they believe. Rather, so that they are vigilant, do not follow along. Furthermore, Jesus wanted them to recognize the bad desires that were ingrained in their hearts!
Inevitably, the scribes had a privileged position in Jewish society. Yes, this is logical because they believe that God reveals His will in the Torah and that it is the scribe who has the authority to interpret God's will. They are also honored because they are so close to the Lawgiver, even God! Their utterances are aligned with God's own utterances so that everyone who hears them must submit and do so in obedience. Such a special social status is seen in his clothes and ornaments, so that his appearance everywhere will be immediately recognized. They enjoy the respect that society gives in public places such as markets, synagogues, and urban streets. In places of worship, they sit in the best places, they are the people who know the most and become the most respected. At the parties, they were given the most honorable seats. Who doesn't want to be flattered like this?
True, in the Jewish tradition, these scribes did not receive payment for teaching the Torah. Their lives are highly dependent on the giving of donations from the people. Providing necessities and facilities to the scribes is a noble form of piety. How not, they are God's spokespersons, who translate God's will so that people live in His grace. Up to here, nothing went wrong!
The ummah gives a decent life and facilitates with respect the scribes is a noble deed. However, from the perspective of the scribes, they use this privileged status to fulfill human desires filled with hedonism. And, for this reason, they do not hesitate to use the scriptures and their interpretations that lead to the fulfillment of their desires. They even went so far as to "swallow up the houses of the widows". Can you swallow a house? How big is their throat? Yes, of course this is a metaphor to illustrate that the widows' house has changed hands. They sell it so that they can support the lives of these scribes.
In fact, they know that these widows are a vulnerable group that must be protected, cared for, and cared for (Deuteronomy 24:17,21). Surely these scribes also knew that when widows were ignored and mistreated, there were warnings and condemnations from God (Isaiah 10:1-2; Jeremiah 7:6, Ezekiel 22:7). However, the criticism that was scattered in the prophets' books was ignored for the sake of satisfying their desires. The scribes deceived the poor in the name of righteousness. They used the verses that had been manipulated to motivate the poor to give up their possessions in order to support the glamorous life of the religious leaders.
These religious leaders were very good at hiding their bad intentions with a mask of piety. They deceive people's eyes with long, poetic prayers. The eloquent and long prayer seemed to confirm how they got along closely with their God. People will look at them with admiration and respect. In their presence, others will feel small, helpless and sinful! In this helpless awe, they took off their possessions and handed them over to this heavenly expert. This is the piety used to rob!
In fact, to this day this practice continues to occur. Innocent people are often manipulated and frightened with certain verses in order to spend more deeply and even give anything for the servant of God. They scavenge for sustenance by sweating under the hot sun while these servants of God live in luxury. They say, that's a sign that they are blessed by God!
I remind you that Jesus was not provoking His hearers to look for faults and then ridicule the scribes on the basis of that. Not so! He invites us to be nervous, observe and learn to be not like them. Borrowing Matthew's account, Jesus said, "therefore, do and keep all the things they teach you, but do not obey their works, for they teach them but do not do them" (Matthew 23:3).
In our capacity, we have the potential to be the same as the scribes. Have passion and ambition. Deep down in our hearts, we often unconsciously don't even recognize it. Every form of piety can be manipulated to gain self-benefit. Don't we often use godly words? Love, forgiveness, service, sacrifice, offerings and the like are very common words and discourses! Then, is the meaning really what we apply? Or are we embracing the wrong desires and ambitions through those words and discourses?
What the scribes show is inversely proportional to the poor widow who gives two pieces of copper coins, the smallest currency. The nominal is small, but what he gives is the provision of his life for that day. It could be that this widow was also a "victim" of the pseudo-piety practiced by the scribes. So that his house was also "swallowed". In her simplicity and poverty, she gave everything she had. This widow was similar to the Widow at Zarephath, who had only enough food for a day, she gave to the prophet of the Lord. Are they stupid? Yes, judging from economic calculations! However, judging from the desires hidden in the depths of their hearts, they were the ones who had been liberated from greedy lust. They are people who have a desire to love God through others, even though they themselves are lacking!
Then, what about our desires and ambitions? Have we recognized it? What do we recognize from that desire, is it to indulge in hedonistic lust or to sincerely love God and others?
Jakarta, November 7, 2024, Ordinary Sunday Year B
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