21st Week, Monday: 2 Thess 1:1-5, 11-12; Mt 23:13-22
Paul addresses the Thessalonians; I thank God for you.
Charles Jones is the Hollywood animator who developed the Bugs Bunny cartoons. In the 1930s, he was a struggling artist in Hollywood's Warner Brothers Studio.
At that same time, Walt Disney created the famous "Three Little Pigs" cartoon. Jones recalls how he wrote Disney a letter of congratulations. Disney was deeply grateful and wrote a personal thank-you letter back.
Years later Disney lay dying in a hospital. Jones visited him. During the visit, Disney recalled the letter Jones had written him thirty years earlier. He thanked him again. "I treasure your letter," he told Jones, "because you're the only animator who ever wrote to me."
***
Would people classify us as a "grateful" person? Would God? "When every bone in our body aches, we can, at least, thank God that we're not a herring." Quin Ryan (adapted)
***
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.
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 forever.
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, forever 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.
==============
26 August 2024
Matthew 23:13-22
Woe to you…
The Message version of the Bible effectively portrays Jesus' frustration with the rigid behaviour of the Pharisees and Scribes. Jesus' words serve as a reflection of our Christian communities and our conduct. Over the next two days, we will examine the seven 'Woes' or 'griefs' that Jesus denounces against corrupt religious leaders. This stands in contrast to the list of beatitudes that Jesus proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount.
The first woe is directed towards those who prevent others from having faith in God. The Pharisees used their authority to make it very difficult and burdensome for regular people to follow religious rules. When Matthew wrote the Gospel for Jewish Christians, he might have been referring to the strong resistance from the Jewish leaders to accept Jesus. Their strict interpretations of the Torah made it impossible for people to know the merciful face of God.
Many people in the Church say they believe in Jesus, but their actions can actually push people away from him. Instead of following Jesus' teachings, they spread twisted ideas about him and go to great lengths to promote these misunderstandings.
It's not uncommon to encounter 'Catholics' who use disrespectful language when discussing the Pope, bishops, or priests. They profess themselves as protectors of the faith, but their actions are uncharitable and un-Christian. The issues that the Church faces today are a lot like the ones that existed in Jesus’ time.
We see the abuse of authority and power every day, whether in the Church, government, or business, leading to all kinds of greed and corruption. It's crucial that we, as a community, engage in self-reflection and address these issues, leading to a more just and compassionate society.
