Daily Readings - Sun Nov 05 2017
Malachi
14Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
1"And now, O priests, this command is for you.2If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.8But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,9and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction."10Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
1 Thessalonians
7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.9For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.13And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,2"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,3so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.5They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.11The greatest among you shall be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today offer a powerful reflection on leadership, integrity, and the call to live out our faith authentically. In the first reading from Malachi, God rebukes the priests of Israel for their hypocrisy and failure to uphold their sacred responsibilities. They had become complacent, neglecting the covenant of Levi and dishonoring God’s name. This passage serves as a stern reminder to all who are called to leadership—whether in the priesthood, in families, or in any form of service—that their actions must align with their sacred duties and reflect the love and justice of God.
In the second reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul presents a striking contrast. He describes his own ministry with such humility and love, emphasizing that he and his companions did not seek to burden others but instead poured out their lives in service, sharing both the Gospel and their very selves. This selfless love is the heart of true leadership, rooted in a deep relationship with God and a genuine care for others. Paul’s words remind us that our faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a way of life that transforms how we relate to one another.
In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they taught the law, their actions did not match their words, and they sought recognition and admiration rather than serving others. Jesus calls His followers to a different path: one of humility, simplicity, and authenticity. He warns against the temptation to seek power or status, emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others. These readings together challenge us to examine our own lives: Are we living out our faith with integrity? Are we serving others with humility and love? Let us strive to follow Christ’s example, letting go of pride and self-interest, and instead embracing a life of genuine service and devotion to God.