Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18; Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5; Matthew 23:27-32
Summary
The beatitudes and the woes of the gospel of Matthew can be read as powerful moral counter-images.
- The beatitudes are what should be.
- The woes are what often happens.
Paul captures the praxis of the issue by declaring: On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us (2 Thes 3:8b-9). They worked at the Beatitudes.
In the Catholic tradition we use a technique called Examination of Conscience. Usually a person is encouraged to use the Ten Commandments as the comparative list to assess the day (evening time). Perhaps for tonight use the Beatitudes and Woes. A kick-start to an old tradition.
- When have I lived a beatitude today? (Chapter 5 Matthew)
- When have I lived the woe today? (Chapter 23 Matthew)
Condensed as:
- Humility vs. Spiritual Gatekeeping
- Seeking God vs. Self-Promotion
- Spiritual Clarity vs. Blind Materialism
- Heartfelt Mercy vs. Rule-Bound Rigidity
- Internal Reality vs. External Image
- Authentic Integrity vs. Deadly Pretense
- Suffering for Truth vs. Suppressing Truth
Reflection
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
(Ps 128:1-2)
Personal Reflection
Help us, Lord, to walk in your ways.
Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him (1 Jn 2:5).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082626.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry