Is 'hypocrite footprint' stamped in our DNA?

Today's Irish Times 'Thinking Anew' column.

Michael Commane

Men in long robes walking about, expecting to be greeted respectfully in the market place. They take the front seats at banquets. And they blather on with long prayers. Their own glorification appears to be uppermost. 

Can't you imagine them? And here, I’m paraphrasing what Jesus tells his listeners. These days the majority don't wear flowing robes and they probably don't go on with long prayers. But does anything ever change?

People in power, people with control, people telling others how they should live their lives. So often it's done in the name of God, in the name of the people, in the name of the State. Details may vary but the story never changes.

In tomorrow's Gospel (Mk 12: 38 - 44) Mark tells us how Jesus cast scorn on the men in long robes, who pontificate with show-prayers. Jesus compares that nonsense with the poor widow who comes along quietly, no fuss, no fanfare, and puts her hard-earned few cent into the treasury box. Jesus is comparing the spoofer, the hypocrite with the genuine decent person. It's sad to see how she is fooled by the ruling elite.

When I taught Hamlet in post primary schools,  it was always interesting to see how the students could not abide any hints of hypocrisy in the play. They were appalled with anything and everything to do with double standards, dishonesty, saying one thing and then doing something else. All are aspects of the one thing - hypocrisy.

Is there something about the human psyche that there is a 'hypocrite' footprint stamped in our DNA? It would seem that younger people are far less inclined to be hypocritical than their older peers.

Take any aspect of modern living and one does not have to dig too deep to see hypocrisy at play.

In the current Syrian crisis there are more refugees living in Istanbul than there are in the entire European Union. And Europe is up in arms, screaming and roaring, saying that we can't cope with such numbers crossing EU borders. Has there been a word about the manufacturers of the bombs that are being daily dropped on the Syrian people? Who makes the guns and mortars? Some of those involved in the arms trade may well be criticising the world powers for not settling the crisis in Syria. And then all those who shout and scream in anger at the fleeing Syrians.

It's stomach-turning to hear the wealthy and elite classes advising the poor to tighten their belts - something that has left a deep mark on the Irish political landscape.

One might hope that hypocrisy would be anathema to ministers of religion in the various faith traditions. Not at all. Indeed, maybe they are the expert hypocrites. Isn't that exactly what Jesus is telling his listeners? Is it not hypocrisy that has annoyed so many ordinary people in the churches - people so similar to the widow who gives her few bob and then to discover all sorts of lies, double-dealing, hypocrisy, when it comes to the institutional churches?  

It might well be a good idea for all of us to read tomorrow's Gospel carefully and listen attentively to what is being said. It would appear none of us is immune to hypocrisy. Maybe if we had the good sense and –  indeed grace – to put ourselves in the shoes of the other person we would be far slower to say one thing and do another. 

And it seems that those with power and control are far more susceptible to acts of hypocrisy than the rest of society. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

At least so thought Jesus and Shakespeare.