Daily Readings - Wed Aug 28 2024
2 Thessalonians
6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,8nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.17I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Matthew
27"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.29"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,30saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'31Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.32Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of living authentically as Christians. The first reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the value of a orderly and hardworking life, urging believers to set a good example by their actions. Paul stresses that true faith is not just about words but about living in a way that reflects our beliefs, ensuring we are not a burden to others and earning our keep through honest work.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message as Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, highlighting the disparity between their outward appearance of righteousness and their inward decay. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our faith.
These readings connect by emphasizing the need for integrity and authenticity. Just as Paul calls for a life of diligent work and moral consistency, Jesus warns against a faith that is merely superficial. In our daily lives, this means being honest, compassionate, and true to our beliefs. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out genuinely, ensuring that our actions reflect the integrity of our hearts. Let us strive to embody this authenticity, living in a way that truly honors our faith.