1st READING
Paul affirms that tradition is an authentic conveyor of the truth. But for those who believe that revelation comes from the Scriptures alone, this can be a problem. An idea or truth is related to some form of tradition. If there is a human element included in the truth, then there is tradition that accompanies it. There is no need to worry about traditions passed down from generation to generation unless they are contrary to the Scriptures.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17
1 We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, 2 not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. 14 To this end he has also called you through our Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.
PSALM
Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
R: The Lord comes to judge the earth.
10 Say among the nations: the Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (R) 11 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; 12 let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. (R) 13 Before the Lord, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. (R)
The Law of the Lord can be divided into laws dealing with our relationships and material things. Our focus should be on our relationships and not the stuff we use. However, it is easier to regulate rules that govern the use of things. Let us focus on our relationships with God and others.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Matthew 23:23-26
23 Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”
Reflect: “Hypocrites get offended by the truth.” – Jess C. Scott
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Psalms 1-5
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