Daily Readings - Mon Aug 28 2023
1 Thessalonians
1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you 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--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
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
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.