November 5, 2023

Sister Mary Jane Vigil, OSB shares a reflection on the scripture readings: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13; Matthew 23:1-12

The readings for this Sunday are a call to humility and holiness. The first reading from Malachi reminds us of the responsibility to listen to God and to uphold God’s law. We are to treat everyone impartially and with respect and love one another. Psalm 131 reminds us to find our peace and rest in God.

In the second readings, St. Paul tells us that we work to proclaim the Good News. 1 Thessalonians is vital for understanding early Christianity. St. Paul expresses gratitude for their faithfulness despite persecution and he encourages them and us to live out the faith with love and hope. He addresses concerns about Christ’s second coming, assuring believers of resurrection. He offers practical guidance for Catholics that emphasizes faith, love and hope and learning to stand firm in trials and await Christ’s return.

The Gospel calls out those who lay heavy laws on others but do not practice what they preach. Jesus criticizes the religious leaders; they lay heavy burdens on others while not lifting a finger themselves. This is an unjust imposition of religious obligations without personal commitment. These “burdens” were often difficult for ordinary people to follow and were more about appearances than fostering spirituality.

Jesus advises against using honorific titles like “Rabbi” and emphasizes the value of humility. He promotes a down-to-earth approach over seeking social or religious status by emphasizing humility and servant leadership, qualities often found in admired leaders. Humility isn’t just about how we see ourselves in relation to God, but also how we relate to others which means not drawing attention to our own “holiness” for show. All of us, not only leaders, must stay true to spiritual responsibilities. “Those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.”

Jesus advises the crowd and his disciples to follow the teachings of the scribes and pharisees but not their actions as they are showy and lack genuine help for others. He emphasizes healing the sick, feeding the hungry and comforting the marginalized. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrates his love for all. As followers of Jesus, we find valuable lessons on love, forgiveness and service. We are called to be compassionate and merciful, mirroring his example.

Hebrew prophets had a unique role in criticizing their own religion. Many religious organizations prefer unquestioning loyalty over prophetic critique. Human consciousness and spiritual growth often come through grappling with personal and institutional short comings. Prophetic gifts are essential for true spiritual development.

1 Thessalonians underscores the profound impact of sincere and caring relationships in spreading the message of faith. The Apostles and early followers of Jesus shared not only the Gospel but also their lives with the Thessalonians. They didn’t seek material gain as praise but showed genuine love and concerns and so became a model for others. On receiving the Word, they recognized it as God’s message.

In our lives, these readings are a reminder to share our faith with sincerity and to be receptive to God’s message allowing it to affect us deeply. It’s about genuine connections and the recognition of divine truth in simple everyday interactions. In 1 Thessalonians we see the Apostles dedication to sharing their faith through loving relationships. This is how we can convey this message of faith through genuine heartfelt connections, setting a good example for others. Faith is not a private matter; it’s about how we treat others. True faith shines through in our actions, our care for one another, and our commitment to living by the values we profess. The Apostles modeled sharing the gospel but also sharing their lives with others.