Daily Readings - Wed Aug 28 2024
2 Thessalonians
6In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,8nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.17I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Matthew
27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of living authentically as Christians. The first reading from 2 Thessalonians emphasizes the value of a orderly and hardworking life, urging believers to set a good example by their actions. Paul stresses that true faith is not just about words but about living in a way that reflects our beliefs, ensuring we are not a burden to others and earning our keep through honest work.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message as Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He compares them to whitewashed tombs, highlighting the disparity between their outward appearance of righteousness and their inward decay. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our faith.
These readings connect by emphasizing the need for integrity and authenticity. Just as Paul calls for a life of diligent work and moral consistency, Jesus warns against a faith that is merely superficial. In our daily lives, this means being honest, compassionate, and true to our beliefs. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out genuinely, ensuring that our actions reflect the integrity of our hearts. Let us strive to embody this authenticity, living in a way that truly honors our faith.