Daily Readings - Mon Aug 27 2018
2 Thessalonians
1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.4Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.5This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering--11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew
13"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.14See Footnote15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.16"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?18And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.'19You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?20So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.21And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.22And 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.