Daily Readings - Mon Aug 27 2018
2 Thessalonians
1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.5All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.14Verse omitted from the New International Version15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.'19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it.22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.
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.