It is far too easy to look upon the faults of others! What they have done and what they have failed to do. We may even critize those serving in the Church, how many of them lack a prayer life, and are simply serving like community club members checking off items on a todolist. Bringing neither their own community, parishioners or anyone closer to the Lord’s kingdom.
Question is what are you doing? How well are you serving Him and your brethren? How many of those who have left the Church have you brought back to His fold? How intimate is your relationship with our Lord that are you walking everyday in His presence and listening to His Word and will for you?
For then you and I will be grace filled, with such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, that you and I are strengthened in everything good that we do or say. Amen
Saint Monica pray for us…
________
First reading
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17 ·
Stand firm and keep the traditions we have taught you
To turn, brothers, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumour or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived. Never let anyone deceive you in this way.
Through the Good News that we brought God called you to this so that you should share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm, then, brothers, and keep the traditions that we taught you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has given us his love and, through his grace, such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, comfort you and strengthen you in everything good that you do or say.
________
Gospel
Matthew 23:23-26
Clean the inside of the cup first, so that the outside may become clean
Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who pay your tithe of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law – justice, mercy, good faith! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. You blind guides! Straining out gnats and swallowing camels!
‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who clean the outside of cup and dish and leave the inside full of extortion and intemperance. Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.’
CatholicJules.net 