Daily Readings - Mon Aug 27 2018
2 Thessalonians
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:2Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;4So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew
13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.14Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?20Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.21And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.22And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
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.