Daily Readings - Mon Aug 27 2018
2 Thessalonians
1Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians, in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ2Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ3We ought to give thanks always to God for you, brothers, in a fitting manner, because your faith is increasing greatly, and because the charity of each of you toward one another is abundant4so much so that we ourselves even glory in you among the churches of God, because of your patience and faith in all of your persecutions and tribulations that you endure5which are a sign of the just judgment of God, so that you may be held worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer11Because of this, too, we pray always for you, so that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may complete every act of his goodness, as well as his work of faith in virtue12in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
Matthew
13So then: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you close the kingdom of heaven before men. For you yourselves do not enter, and those who are entering, you would not permit to enter14Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you consume the houses of widows, praying long prayers. Because of this, you shall receive the greater judgment15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and by land, in order to make one convert. And when he has been converted, you make him twice the son of Hell that you are yourselves16Woe to you, blind guides, who say: ‘Whoever will have sworn by the temple, it is nothing. But whoever will have sworn by the gold of the temple is obligated.17You are foolish and blind! For which is greater: the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold18And you say: ‘Whoever will have sworn by the altar, it is nothing. But whoever will have sworn by the gift that is on the altar is obligated.19How blind you are! For which is greater: the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift20Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all that is on it21And whoever will have sworn by the temple, swears by it, and by him who dwells in it22And whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits upon it
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the ways in which we live out our relationship with God. In the first reading from 2 Thessalonians, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their growing faith and abundant love, even in the face of persecution. He encourages them to remain steadfast, assuring them that their suffering is a sign of God’s just judgment and a preparation for the kingdom of God. Paul also expresses his prayer for them, asking that God may fulfill His good work in them and that they may live in a way that glorifies Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that our faith is not just about belief but about perseverance and living out God’s will in our lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees with strong words, condemning their hypocrisy. He criticizes them for closing the kingdom of heaven to others, for exploiting the vulnerable, and for prioritizing outward appearances over genuine conversion. Jesus also points out their flawed reasoning when they elevate material things, like the gold in the temple, above the temple itself and the gifts offered to God. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, asking whether we, like the Pharisees, are more focused on external rituals and self-righteousness than on a sincere, humble relationship with God.
Together, these readings call us to authenticity and integrity in our faith. The Thessalonians’ perseverance and love in the face of suffering stand in stark contrast to the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and self-deception. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: Are we living our faith with sincerity, or are we caught up in superficial practices? Do we prioritize God’s will and the good of others, or do we seek to elevate ourselves? Let us strive to be people of genuine faith, enduring trials with patience and love, and living in a way that truly reflects the kingdom of God. May we, like the Thessalonians, be worthy of our calling and glorify Jesus Christ in all that we do.