Hypocrisy destroys the Christian faith-Homily for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time August 2023

Homily for Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-13. Psalm 139:7-8,9-10,11-12ab. Matthew 23:27-32.

St. Paul tells the Thessalonians in the first reading on the need for them to work, giving as an example of how he and his companions worked night and day to earn their living so as not to be burdens to anyone.

In addition to their work, Paul also exhorted them on the need to be holy, righteous, and blameless. Lastly, he thanked God for the life of the Thessalonians, who put into action what they were taught and heard.

Like the Thessalonians, we are called to take our work seriously. Through working well, we begin to see God's presence in our work. Work is now the path to personal sanctification and salvation. It is the constructive moment of fraternal charity.

Jesus, in today's Gospel, continues his message of "Woe" to the scribes and the Pharisees for not being able to reconcile their religious practices with their way of living. They do things to impress the people when their hearts are far from God.

Hypocrisy destroys the Christian faith. Sometimes, we are passionately driven with our religious doctrines while we are deficient in promoting love and justice, which is primary. Any doctrine that is not centred on love must be avoided. Rather than exhibiting a holier-than-thou attitude, let our Christian life be authentic and in line with the spirit of the Gospel. We must be Christians in heart and in actions.

May God grant us the grace to strive to live out faith in a way pleasing to Him through Christ our Lord. Amen.