First reading 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
We slaved night and day so as not to be a burden on any one of you
Let me remind you, brothers, how hard we used to work, slaving night and day so as not to be a burden on any one of you while we were proclaiming God’s Good News to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, that our treatment of you, since you became believers, has been impeccably right and fair. You can remember how we treated every one of you as a father treats his children, teaching you what was right, encouraging you and appealing to you to live a life worthy of God, who is calling you to share the glory of his kingdom. Another reason why we constantly thank God for you is that as soon as you heard the message that we brought you as God’s message, you accepted it for what it really is, God’s message and not some human thinking; and it is still a living power among you who believe it.
Responsorial Psalm 138(139):7-12
O Lord, you search me and you know me.
O where can I go from your spirit,
or where can I flee from your face?
If I climb the heavens, you are there.
If I lie in the grave, you are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn
and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.
If I take the wings of the dawn
and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.
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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Giving glory to God
In the Gospel, Jesus said to the Jewish religious leaders, “In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good, honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” The scribes and Pharisees placed great emphasis on external appearances to project an image of righteousness, even though their hearts and minds were filled with self-love and contempt for others. They sought human glory rather than pursuing God’s glory.
If we are committed to following Jesus, we must walk His path, which involves seeking God’s glory instead of striving for human success. God’s glory is what brings us lasting joy and peace. When we lead a life rooted in love, aligning our actions with our words, we truly honour God. As Pope Francis said, “One cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life. Those who listen to us and observe us must see in our actions what they hear from our lips, and thus give glory to God!”
Reflective question:
Whose glory do I seek—my own or God’s?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
