First reading 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18
We worked night and day not to be a burden on you
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we urge you, brothers, to keep away from any of the brothers who refuses to work or to live according to the tradition we passed on to you.
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all.
From me, PAUL, these greetings in my own handwriting, which is the mark of genuineness in every letter; this is my own writing. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Responsorial Psalm 127(128):1-2,4-5
O blessed are those who fear the Lord.
O blessed are those who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways!
By the labour of your hands you shall eat.
You will be happy and prosper.
Indeed thus shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion
all the days of your life!
Gospel Matthew 23:27-32
You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets
Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who build the sepulchres of the prophets and decorate the tombs of holy men, saying, “We would never have joined in shedding the blood of the prophets, had we lived in our fathers’ day.” So! Your own evidence tells against you! You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets! Very well then, finish off the work that your fathers began.’
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Integrity
In the first reading, St Paul encourages the Thessalonian community, saying, “We urge you, brothers, to keep away from any of the brothers who refuse to work…You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you…We worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you…May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” He encourages each of the Thessalonians to live a life of integrity by working diligently and quietly, avoiding becoming a burden to others and taking responsibility, so that they can help ensure that God’s peace remains with the entire community.
In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks about integrity and warns against hypocrisy. We are not meant to be “whitewashed tombs”, looking pure outside while the heart remains untouched. Both readings call us to let God constantly reshape our inner lives so that our outer life of work and words will align with our faith. Jesus wants us to avoid superficial displays of religion but instead focus on living a coherent and mature faith. This way, God’s peace can take root in our homes, communities, workplaces and society.
Reflective question:
What is one concrete action I can take to live with integrity and build peace?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
