Monday August 28, 2017
Introduction
The introductory thanksgiving of 2 Thes is very similar to the one of 1 Thes. It expresses the joy and the gratitude of Paul for the fast growth as a Christian community of the young Church of Thessalonica. Paul makes also an allusion to their suffering, which came either from the antagonism of the synagogue, which had been strong, or from their questions and discussions about the end of the world, or from both.
When we hold on to the letter of the law without concern for its spirit, we easily become hypocrites, perhaps without realizing it fully; also when in the name of tradition, we sap it of all life, or worse, when we speak beautiful words but act differently. For example, when we speak of poverty, community, or dialogue, but live in grand style or fail to communicate from person to person. Such contradictions are not only the lot of Pharisees and scribes: they are often with us today.
Opening Prayer
God, you are clear-sighted
as you look into our hearts.
Do not allow us to seek security
in words and laws and observances,
but in giving in everyday life
a response of love to your challenging word.
Yes, let this word question us day after day
whether we are true
to the Gospel: and to the person
of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Reading: 1 THES 1:1-5, 8B-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you,
remembering you in our prayers,
unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love
and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,
before our God and Father,
knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen.
For our Gospel: did not come to you in word alone,
but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.
In every place your faith in God has gone forth,
so that we have no need to say anything.
For they themselves openly declare about us
what sort of reception we had among you,
and how you turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from the dead, Jesus,
who delivers us from the coming wrath.
Responsorial Psalm 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B
R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia!
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia JN 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: MT 23:13-22
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men.
You do not enter yourselves,
nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You traverse sea and land to make one convert,
and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna
twice as much as yourselves.
"Woe to you, blind guides, who say,
'If one swears by the temple, it means nothing,
but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.'
Blind fools, which is greater, the gold,
or the temple that made the gold sacred?
And you say, 'If one swears by the altar, it means nothing,
but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.'
You blind ones, which is greater, the gift,
or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it;
one who swears by the temple swears by it
and by him who dwells in it;
one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God
and by him who is seated on it."
Intercessions
– That the Church in its leaders and members may be a strong and faithful witness in our world for the truth, truthfulness and authenticity, we pray:
– For priests and religious, that the poverty and love of Christ and people may become visible in them and make their teaching credible, we pray:
– For politicians and civic leaders, that their concern may not be honor and power but justice, dignity and the unity of those whom they honestly serve, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
in this bread and this wine,
we celebrate the memory of your Son,
with his fidelity to his mission,
to you and to people.
Let this offering be
not a mere formality
but a call to commit ourselves
to his Gospel: and his life,
for he is our Lord for ever.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
it is difficult for us to be always honest
with ourselves and with you,
for sincerity demands total commitment.
God, you have encouraged us
with the Word and the bread of your Son.
Do not allow us
to put our consciences to sleep or at ease,
with beautiful words or outward practices,
but make us live as we believe,
that with the whole of our lives
we may give glory to you,
our God, for ever and ever.
Blessing
We are to be pitied as Christians if we think we can save ourselves by outward practices. What saves us, what makes us God’s sons and daughters, is our love of God and neighbor, how we live our daily life in closeness to the Lord. May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
