Daily Readings - Sun Nov 05 2017
Malachi
14"Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king," says the LORD Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.
1"And now this admonition is for you, O priests.2If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me.8But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the LORD Almighty.9"So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law."10Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?
1 Thessalonians
7As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Matthew
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.11The greatest among you will be your servant.12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will 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.