Daily Readings - Sun Nov 05 2017
First Reading - Malachi 1.14 – 2.2, 8-10
Malachi
But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 2.7-9, 13
1 Thessalonians
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Gospel - Matthew 23.1-12
Matthew
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall 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.