August 26, 2019 Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-C 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10

Psalm 149

Matthew 23:13-22

…calling to mind you work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope… 1 Thes. 1:3

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.”  Mt. 23:13

Lord, there is a huge contrast between how Paul speaks about the Thessalonians and what you say to the scribes and Pharisees.  Paul clearly is impressed with how quickly and completely his friends in Thessalonica got it!  You, on the other hand, are very frustrated and angry with the hard hearts of the scribes and Pharisees.  Their hypocrisy is a result of their refusal to believe in you and your message.  Paul identifies the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity in the lives of his friends.  Lord, build up in me those same virtues.  May I have a lively faith that is expressed in action.  May I have a hope in your grace and my resurrection.  May I have charity in my heart for the poor and lonely around me.  Keep my heart open to your words of encouragement and never let me descend into hypocrisy.  I pray for all those who do not know you or refuse to let your grace melt their hearts to believe.   Dear Jesus, show me your will this day.  I want to live the dream you have for me and my family.  Amen.