SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2023
SUNDAY OF THE THIRTY FIRST WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Malachi 1:14—2:2.8-10
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9.13
Matthew 23:1-12
FAITH AND LIFE DEVOID OF PRETENSES BUT GIVING SELFLESS SERVICE IN THE MODELS OF CHRIST
There is no hypocrisy greater than one who professes one thing but does exactly the opposite. The story is told of the American Thomas Jefferson who was the chief person who drafted the constitution and the declaration of American independence. Those great words which issued from this declaration reads, that ““All people are created equal, and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” But in his house and his life are many slaves who still serve him and work for him and are denied of their basic freedom and liberty. Such hypocrisy is equally seen in the religious circle especially in the Christian life.
The readings of today speak against such type of double standard living. It talks particularly against the spirit of service which tilts towards self service and self gratification.
In the first reading, the prophet Malachy criticized the priests and the religious leaders of his time for not upholding the teachings in their lives. They teach one thing and practice a totally opposite and different thing. It is here that the prophet Malachy poured out his anger and fury against these religious leader and priests and lay curses upon them for their double standard and for defiling the word they preach.
In the second reading, St Paul sets himself as an example of good conduct and model for all to emulate in his effort to match his words with his actions. He tells the Thessalonians community of his affectionate feeling for them and how he had served them with all humility and earnestness and in good faith. He tells them, “For you remember our labour and toil, brethren; we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, while we preached to you the Gospel of God. “
In the gospel, Jesus goes ahead to condemn the conduct of the Pharisees who never practices what they preach. Jesus was instructing his follower to avoid such hypocrisy and to be ready to serve selflessly, humbly, with great commitment and dedication. And in serving others with such dispositions we must never think or work for our gains or, honour, or material possession or any form of gratification whatsoever. Our services must be free, voluntary and selfless.
As against the Pharisees who always request to be greeted, to be accorded respect, to be treated with special dignity and honour, Jesus frowns against such and proposes for us, something greater and better which is selfless service to God and humanity.
That our services must be without any string, no under tune for material gains, no intentions for self gratification or rewards of any sort but just selfless, with total commitment and dedication to duty. So matching our words with our action and profession of faith as Christians we must live in this way and be of service to our brothers and sisters in all we do on earth. That is the desire of our God and that will earn us life in eternity.
Heavenly Father, grant us firm resolve to live out our faith in total dedication and commitment. Grant us your spirit, to match our words with our action, and our profession of faith with our life struggles. Help us to be of service to the Church and all humanity without seeking personal gains and gratification as we journey towards eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
