Daily Readings - Mon Aug 28 2023
1 Thessalonians
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
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
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our journey of faith. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians highlights the vibrant faith of the Thessalonian community, who turned away from idols to serve the living God. Their conversion was not just a change in belief but a transformation in how they lived, characterized by endurance, love, and hope in Jesus Christ. This community's faith was so impactful that it spread beyond their city, inspiring others in Macedonia and Achaia.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, criticizing their hypocrisy. He points out their failure to live out their faith authentically, instead focusing on outward appearances and exploiting the vulnerable. Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine faith over empty rituals, urging us to look beyond superficial practices and connect with the true essence of our beliefs.
These readings remind us that our faith must be lived sincerely. Like the Thessalonians, we should embody our beliefs in our actions, showing love and endurance. Jesus warns us against hypocrisy, encouraging us to ensure our faith is not just a show but a genuine reflection of our commitment to God. As we reflect on our own faith practices, let us strive for authenticity, living out our beliefs with integrity and compassion, just as the Thessalonians did. In doing so, we honor God and inspire others to do the same.