Monday of week 21 in Ordinary Time 



2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,​11-12

Psalm 95(96):1-5

Matthew 23:13-22


FAITH AND RELIGIOSITY




Today's readings highlight the contrast between sincere faith and hypocritical religious behavior. The first reading features Paul's letter commending the faith, love, and hope of the Thessalonians. In the Gospel, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their self-righteous conduct. However, it's essential to remember that Jesus consistently shows compassion towards sinners, regardless of whether their sins are public or private. Individuals in positions of authority, especially religious figures, have a significant responsibility to use their influence and vocation to lead people closer to God, primarily through their daily embodiment of Christ's teachings.



Do you have a deep understanding of the Lord's goodness, truth, and beauty? Do you dedicate time to access the kingdom through prayer, allowing you to authentically guide others towards the kingdom and exemplify Christ through your treatment of others? Today, let's pray for those in positions of authority – whether in the civil, private, or church spheres – that they may be bestowed with the grace to consistently promote the welfare, peace, and justice of all. Amen. Have a great day and a blessed week ahead!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLES, FEAST   Apocalypse 21:9-14 Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18 John 1:45-51 COME TO JESUS  Today's readings emphasize the significance of heaven. We must stay focused on the ultimate prize, just as Bartholomew did when he sought spiritual enlightenment under the fig tree. When Philip introduced him to the Messiah from Nazareth, Bartholomew initially questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, after encountering Christ, he recognized Him as the Son of God. Bartholomew made the wisest decision of his life by coming to Jesus. As it says in Psalms 145, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him." Our prayer life can be as simple as coming to Jesus and seeking Him for rest, as stated in Matthew 11:28. Let us also have a deep desire to draw closer to Jesus and focus on the things above where Christ is. Amen. N. B. Pray for me as I celebrate my birthday today. Thank you and God bless. 
Read more
Image
  Saints Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs   2 Peter 1:2-7 Psalm 90(91):1-2,14-16 Mark 12:1-12 LAY DOWN YOUR LIVES FOR CHRIST  Today's gospel features Jesus addressing the scribes, chief priests, and elders. They witness the behavior of the tenant farmers in a parable, which mirrors their violence, selfishness, and desire for possession. Despite being confronted with the truth, they are too afraid to change and miss the opportunity for a conversion of heart. Instead, they react defensively and deceive themselves, eventually acting out the negative roles depicted in the parable.  The Church commemorates the Martyrs of Uganda today, particularly St. Charles Lwanga and their companions, who bore witness to Christ by sacrificing their lives. This serves as a reminder for us to be faithful stewards of God's creation and caretakers of His people, willing to serve with love and faith, even to the point of laying down our lives.
Read more
Image
  Monday of week 13 in Ordinary Time   Amos 2:6-10,​13-16 Psalm 49(50):16-23 Matthew 8:18-22 THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP  Dearly beloved in Christ, as we embark on a new month and continue to journey through life, It is important to keep in mind the message in today's Gospel. The brief exchanges between Jesus and the two potential disciples remind us of the challenges of true discipleship. The stories of the teacher of the law and the man wanting to bury his father emphasize the commitment and sacrifices required to follow Jesus. We see that true discipleship involves a wholehearted dedication to living a life modeled after Jesus. When we think about the earlier experiences of other followers like Peter and Andrew, we are reminded that becoming a disciple may require us to let go of our old ways and follow Jesus without hesitation. It is not always easy, and Jesus does not ask us to calculate the costs or tie up all our loose ends. Instead, He simply invites us to "Foll...
Read more