Readings:
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12
Matthew 23:13-22
Reflection:
Today’s readings are an exercise in compare and contrast. The first reading by St. Paul to the Thessalonians is full of praise for the fledgling Church at Thessalonica. This a community enduring persecutions and afflictions but full of love for each other. Paul shares that he tells other communities about the Thessalonians because of their faith. In the coming days we will hear the rest of this epistle.
In contrast to the praise and encouragement of Paul, Jesus in today’s gospel from Matthew is full of vitriol with a concerted attack against the scribes and Pharisees. Today, we hear the first three of seven “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees” laments. We will hear the other four over the next couple of days. Jesus is confronting the religious leaders with the truth of their own behaviour. He lets them know that they will not be entering the Kingdom of heaven and are also preventing others from doing so. Jesus criticises them for making converts but not leading them to communion with God. The third lament focuses on the making of oaths and placing more value on the offerings being given than making the oath before God. The laments point to the hypocrisy of those in leadership.
Both the first reading and the gospel tell us something about discipleship and our responsibilities to each other in the community. The Thessalonians are exemplary in their love for one another and their faith despite the challenges they face. In contrast the scribes and Pharisees are leading people astray from the truth and not supporting those they lead. To be Christian is to be part of a community, do we act with love towards each other or are we guilty of not supporting others in their relationship with God?
Alison Gore is a parishioner at St Paul of the Cross, Glen Osmond. She works in education and formation.