Monday of week 21 in Ordinary Time 


1 Thessalonians 1:1-5,​8-10

Psalm 149:1-6,9

Matthew 23:13-22



LOVE AND SERVE! 


To love is the spark that ignites the fire of serving! Love lays the groundwork for our selfless acts, propelling us to reach out and uplift others. When we anchor ourselves in the profound love of God, we're naturally inspired to serve. God, who knows us intimately and loves us deeply, continually offers us the gift of His life. As we experience and cherish that love, we can’t help but share it, pouring out the abundant gifts of life that God has graciously bestowed upon us.



Today’s Gospel from Matthew reveals a surprising and intense moment: Jesus, filled with righteous indignation, confronts the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees! These so-called religious leaders have lost sight of love in their service, becoming "blind guides." They drown people in a sea of words and complex rules, effectively "locking the Kingdom of Heaven" away from those they lead. Having disconnected themselves from God's love, they mistakenly chase after the law as their only source of meaning and purpose.



In stark contrast, Paul’s fiery letter to the Thessalonians overflows with joy as he celebrates the community’s incredible "work of faith and labor of love." This vibrant group of "brothers and sisters loved by God" feels an irresistible pull to serve in gratitude. Paul passionately reminds them that the Gospel is not just a collection of words—it's a dynamic force that arrives with power and transforms lives through the Holy Spirit, evident in their remarkable deeds. Let's embrace this call to love and serve, igniting a movement of compassion and purpose


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