You know the phrase, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop” perhaps it should be enhanced to read “An idle Catholic is the workshop of the devil. ” What do I mean? We are full time catholics are we not, and therefore must be filled 24×7 with the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Filled with His word, obeying His will for us.
So that all that we say and do at all times glorify Him.
Can we be Holy in church or in community meetings but then be aggressive outside? Lose our tempers and utter vulgarities? Or be spiteful in our choice of words? Behave uncharitably in the sight of the world?
If we truly carry the presence of Christ within us then we shall reflect Him always. Amen
Saint Augustine, pray for us…
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First reading
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18 ·
We worked night and day not to be a burden on you
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we urge you, brothers, to keep away from any of the brothers who refuses to work or to live according to the tradition we passed on to you.
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all.
From me, PAUL, these greetings in my own handwriting, which is the mark of genuineness in every letter; this is my own writing. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
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Gospel
Matthew 23:27-32
You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets
Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who build the sepulchres of the prophets and decorate the tombs of holy men, saying, “We would never have joined in shedding the blood of the prophets, had we lived in our fathers’ day.” So! Your own evidence tells against you! You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets! Very well then, finish off the work that your fathers began.’
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