Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139; Matthew 23:27-32
In today’s First Reading, St. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to learn from his example of life whilst he was among them – to gain wisdom from the way he served the Lord, the way he treated others, from who he was. His ministry amongst the Thessalonians clearly demonstrates sincerity, compassion, Christ-like humility and love. He was not just a good example but also a good influence on others.
In the Gospel of today, Jesus called the scribes and the Pharisees hypocrites. He compared them to whitewashed tombs, that only look good outside but inside are full of rotten bones.
Today’s readings leave us with so much to ponder on.
Can I put my life forward as an example to others on what it means to be a good Christian?
Am I Christ-like in the way and manner I treat and talk to people?
What influence do I have on people who come close to me?
Do I corrupt them or make them better?
Am I real?
Am I true?
Am I what I look like or what I say I am? Am I what/who people think I am or am I just a pretender or an actor?
Am I concealing my impropriety and putting up piety as a mere screen saver?
Lord Jesus, search me and reveal to me the junk that must be excreted out of my life. Mould me by the power of the Holy Spirit to be a good example to others, to lead people to you and not from you. Help me to take care of the weaknesses in me that may cause scandal, or disappoint or corrupt those who come to me seeking you.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on August 30, 2023