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In today's first reading Paul prays with gratitude for his followers at Thessalonica. He praises these new Christians for their perseverance and the sincerity with which they live out their faith, even in difficult times. He gives thanks to God because through the Holy Spirit they experienced the good news as power and with conviction. This was not just while he lived among them. They had continued to be faithful and appreciate the gift they had received. He knew that they had been chosen by God.
In contrast, Jesus criticizes the Scribes and Pharisees in today's Gospel reading for their hypocrisy. They make a great effort to win over a single convert and then tie them up in knots with rules and regulations. They are like blind guides. They live by the letter of the law rather than by the spirit of the law.
Actions often speak louder than words in spreading the good news. Perhaps we can reflect today on how this gift of faith was passed on to us. We might remember people who through living their faith in action had been an inspiration to us.
Lord, we pray that Your Spirit may fill each one of us with courage and conviction that we may be able to put our faith into action in our daily lives.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That researchers in scientific and technological fields, may welcome the church's incessant calls to make wise and responsible use of the successes they have attained.
Elaboration
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