By Sharon Piuse A csc –
Readings: 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18; Mt 23:27-32
The first reading tells us the method of treating those who are idle and disorderly in the church. It reminds us to stay away from a sinful way of life. The reading says that anyone unwilling to work should not eat. Sometimes I too follow this policy and get satisfaction. I used to tell myself, I worked for the fruit I got. When I get the fruit, I am happy about it. Without working, if I get it, I am sad about it as it is due to the hard work of somebody else and not mine. In the last part of the reading, we see St. Paul wishes peace and the divine presence to all the faithful at Thessalonica.
The Gospel reading invites us to ask ourselves, ‘how do I look to others and what is inside of me?’ We need to ask ourselves, in my community how do I behave during the presence and the absence of my superior. If it is in a family setup, how do I behave during the presence and absence of my parents? Most often we like to act good in front of them like whitewashed tombs mentioned in the gospel. It looks beautiful outside, but inside of it is rotten flesh and worms.
In our life, we are like that tomb, well dressed. But we may do and say all kind of rubbish. In the gospel, the scribes and Pharisees imagined themselves that they were better than their ancestors, but God was aware who they were. They portrayed themselves as holier than anybody. We need to ask ourselves, do I really do and say what God wants me to do?