Phylacteries

What is a phylactery? We hear this word in our Gospel Reading today from Matthew as Jesus speaks about the Scribes and the Pharisees: "All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels [Mt 23:5]."

A phylactery is one of two small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with verses from the Torah and traditionally worn on the left arm and on the head by observant Jewish men during morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law. The root word for phylactery means to watch, that is, to be on guard; by implication to preserve, obey, keep, observe, save.

The Scribes and Pharisees widen their phylacteries to show how well they kept their faith and observed all that the law prescribed. Jesus tells his followers not to follow their example. Reminds me of the Gospel message from Ash Wednesday (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18) when Jesus tells us to fast and pray in secret.

It is important to keep God's word and to remain watchful so we don't fall into temptation, but we don't need to call attention to ourselves while doing so. Nor do we need to make ourselves look better or holier than anyone else. In all that we do, we must remain meek and humble.

During this Lenten season, we should ask ourselves what are the phylacteries we wear that we widen for all to see?