August 22, 2022, Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-C QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12

Psalm 96

Matthew 23:13-22

We out to thank God…because your faith flourishes, evermore, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

“You lock the Kingdom of Heaven…” Matthew 23:13

Lord, Paul commended the Thessalonians because of their faith and love as worthy of the Kingdom. You, on the other hand, identified the empty religious practices of the scribes and Pharisees as obstacles to entry into the Kingdom. Paul saw the faith of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution as the key to the Kingdom. They had their priorities right whereas the scribes and Pharisees had things backward. Which way do I wish to go? The way of going through the motions of ritual and appearing faithful or a conversion of heart which honors God? You make me worthy of your call, it’s not my efforts. I can’t earn heaven except by letting go in surrender to your grace. Transform me, Lord, in faith and love to be what you created me to be. May I today fulfill the purpose for which you made me. Give me the grace of patience, mercy and faithfulness. Form me to do for others what you’ve done for me. Throw open wide the doors of your Kingdom to all your people. Queen and Mother Mary intercede with your Son for me and my family. Amen.