Daily Readings - Sun Nov 05 2023
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
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, humility, and authenticity. The first reading from Malachi addresses the priests who have strayed from their sacred duties, warning them of God’s displeasure. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and true to one’s calling. The second reading from 1 Thessalonians highlights the Apostles’ selfless dedication to spreading the Gospel, illustrating their humility and love for the people. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus’ critique of the scribes and Pharisees, who prioritized appearances over genuine faith, teaching that true greatness lies in humility.
These readings share a common theme: the call to live out our faith with sincerity and humility. Malachi’s warning against hypocrisy and Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees’s showmanship remind us that our actions must reflect our beliefs. The Apostles in Thessalonians exemplify this through their tireless and selfless work, showing that true service is rooted in love and humility. Together, these passages urge us to examine our own lives, ensuring our faith is not just a facade but a deep, transformative force.
In our daily lives, we are challenged to embody this authenticity. Let us strive to serve others with humility, avoiding the temptation to seek recognition or power. May we, like the Apostles, be dedicated to sharing God’s love without seeking glory for ourselves. As Jesus taught, true greatness comes not from titles or appearances, but from a humble heart. Let us reflect on our actions and intentions, ensuring they align with the sincerity and love that our faith demands.