Daily Readings - Sun Nov 05 2017
First Reading - Malachi 1.14 – 2.2, 8-10
Malachi
14Cursed is the deceitful, who holds in his flock a male, and, when making a vow, offers in sacrifice that which is feeble to the Lord. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the Gentiles
1And now, O priests, this command is to you2If you will refuse to listen, and if you will refuse to take it to heart, so as to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, I will send destitution upon you, and I will curse your blessings; yes, I will curse them. For you have not taken it to heart8But you have withdrawn from the way, and you have scandalized very many in the law. You have nullified the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts9Because of this, I also have made you contemptible and debased to all the people, just as you have not served my ways, and you have accepted a face in the law10Is there not one Father of us all? Did not one God create us? Why, then, does each one of us despise his brother, violating the covenant of our fathers
Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 2.7-9, 13
1 Thessalonians
7And although we could have been a burden to you, as Apostles of Christ, instead we became like little ones in your midst, like a nurse cherishing her children8So desirous were we for you that we were willing to hand over to you, not only the Gospel of God, but even our own souls. For you have become most beloved to us9For you remember, brothers, our hardship and weariness. We preached the Gospel of God among you, working night and day, so that we would not be burdensome to any of you13For this reason also, we give thanks to God without ceasing: because, when you had accepted from us the Word of the hearing of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but (as it truly is) as the Word of God, who is working in you who have believed
Gospel - Matthew 23.1-12
Matthew
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds, and to his disciples2saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have sat down in the chair of Moses3Therefore, all things whatsoever that they shall say to you, observe and do. Yet truly, do not choose to act according to their works. For they say, but they do not do4For they bind up heavy and unbearable burdens, and they impose them on men’s shoulders. But they are not willing to move them with even a finger of their own5Truly, they do all their works so that they may be seen by men. For they enlarge their phylacteries and glorify their hems6And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues7and greetings in the marketplace, and to be called Master by men8But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers9And do not choose to call anyone on earth your father. For One is your Father, who is in heaven10Neither should you be called teachers. For One is your Teacher, the Christ11Whoever is greater among you shall be your minister12But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted
Sermon
The readings today offer a powerful reflection on leadership, integrity, and the call to live out our faith authentically. In the first reading from Malachi, God rebukes the priests of Israel for their hypocrisy and failure to uphold their sacred responsibilities. They had become complacent, neglecting the covenant of Levi and dishonoring God’s name. This passage serves as a stern reminder to all who are called to leadership—whether in the priesthood, in families, or in any form of service—that their actions must align with their sacred duties and reflect the love and justice of God.
In the second reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul presents a striking contrast. He describes his own ministry with such humility and love, emphasizing that he and his companions did not seek to burden others but instead poured out their lives in service, sharing both the Gospel and their very selves. This selfless love is the heart of true leadership, rooted in a deep relationship with God and a genuine care for others. Paul’s words remind us that our faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a way of life that transforms how we relate to one another.
In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they taught the law, their actions did not match their words, and they sought recognition and admiration rather than serving others. Jesus calls His followers to a different path: one of humility, simplicity, and authenticity. He warns against the temptation to seek power or status, emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others. These readings together challenge us to examine our own lives: Are we living out our faith with integrity? Are we serving others with humility and love? Let us strive to follow Christ’s example, letting go of pride and self-interest, and instead embracing a life of genuine service and devotion to God.