The Mask of the Lone Ranger

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. (Luke 12:1-3 ESV). When I was younger I remember both listening to the radio show and later watching the television show of The Lone Ranger. It was based on a series of books by Zane Grey, one of the most prolific of Western writers. He, and his faithful friend and companion, Tonto, would always arrive in the nick of time to save the day. He wore a mask to hide his identity, which would lead to the famous question, “Who was that masked man?” as he rode off into the sunset as he shouted to his horse "Hi ho, Silver… away!" It was a great show. A mask was necessary for the Lone Ranger to protect his identity. However, Jesus warned us about hiding behind a mask, or pretending to be someone we are really not. In our reading today he uses a word which means "to hide behind a mask." It is “hypocrisy.” In Greek theater of that day, actors would hold masks in front of their faces when they were playing a part. Hypocrisy was simply trying to be someone you're really not. Perhaps Jesus gave this warning at this time, because the disciples might have been tempted either to gain popularity by pleasing the crowds or to avoid trouble by pleasing the scribes and Pharisees. This is a part of our human nature. We want to be accepted. We want to fit in. So Jesus said, "Be careful. Don't be a hypocrite." Notice that Jesus said, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Leaven is yeast, which is a rising agent. It is something that works in secret with penetrating power, starting small and working its way through our lives. That is why we must carefully guard against it. Little things inevitably lead to big things. Often we will rationalize a sinful act, telling ourselves it's just one time. But that one thing ultimately leads to other things. Today, can the question be asked of you, "Who was that masked man?" or "Who was that masked woman?" Fear may cause us to back down on what we believe, especially in the presence of others who don't hold the same views. It might cause us to put on a mask, so to speak. But remember what Jesus said. Be real. And don't be a hypocrite. Be gentle and kind, but stand firm in the faith you have been called to live out each day. Be real and there will never be a need for a mask!