2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18, Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5, Matthew 23:27-32

FEAST OF ST. MONICA

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18,  Matthew 23:27-32

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

My Beloved, a true Christian is not lazy. St. Paul points out we must guard against bad company choosing those wisely those we associate with.  Good like minded friends and good Christians live out their faith in every area of their life.  They encourage one and they help each other to grow in faith, hope and charity.  A person who is of sound health but allows himself to be a burden on the community through sheer laziness must be dealt with strictly or else he will not only ruin himself but will affect those around him who are diligent.

We must follow the example of those who have handed down a Christlike way of life.  Even though one who labors in the Lord's vineyard is  entitled to have all his material needs met in order to free him to work without worry, yet St. Paul and has his companions worked hard to provide for their their own needs.  How much more must we who have a duty and a responsibility to family work diligently to provide for those God has entrusted to our care?  

God's peace and blessings are assured on those who heed the advice of St. Paul.

Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5

My Beloved, You will bless all who walk in the way of truth, who live a well disciplined life of prayer and work, rest and labor, these You will bless and reward with the fruit of their toil.  You created and gave us the resources of the world to be used wisely.  You wrote Your law on our hearts and if we live and walk in Your ways of truth and light, obediently and joyfully, You will pour Your blessings on us always.

Matthew 23:27-32

My Beloved, You warn that there will be a much harsher and stricter judgement of those who were appointed to teach the faith - those whom the faithful trusted and believed in. Who were given honor and respect they did not deserve because what they preached in public did not conform to their secret, private lives.  

Those who lead and teach are called to uphold a higher standard that the rest as St. Paul pointed out.  God has no patience with hypocrites; as we speak so must we live there can be no dichotomy in what we say and what we do.  We can fool man not God and if we attempt to we do so at our own peril.