Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Thes 2:9-13; PS 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab; Mt 23:27-32
Notes: Monday’s post (Deceitfulness) outlined the week and the basic format of the readings.
First reading
The word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.
One can always rely on the fact that anyone who reads or hears the Word proclaimed has been also given a gift of spirit to work in and with you toward your perfection.
Responsorial Psalm
You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
The psalmist is not looking to hide from God.
The psalmist marvels at how nothing can hide me from God.
Note from New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE):
A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze, of God’s presence in every part of the universe, and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self. Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company.
Alleluia Verse
Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.
Gospel Portion
The woe today (the condition that brings such sorrow and grief):
beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.
Commentary on another’s evil or insufficiency doesn’t make us more sufficient.
Rather, it reveals the actual state of the person making the comment.
As my sister used to say:
What Peter says about Paul says more about Peter than about Paul.
Better we humbly deal with our own issues. God knows. Jesus knows.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 