October 30, 2011 — Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mal. 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; 1Thes. 2: 7b-9, 13; Mt. 23:1-12
In today’s Gospel, Christ says the religious leaders of the day, the Scribes and the Pharisees, do not practice what they preach. They seem to be using their positions of power for their own glory. Christ uses this example to teach a lesson — “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
In the second reading, St. Paul and his companions are in Thessalonica doing the Lord’s work – proclaiming the Gospel, and, for the ability to do so, Paul says, “We give thanks to God unceasingly.” They are there to serve the Lord, to show the people the truth of the Gospel and to rejoice with them as they convert to Christ. Talk about stewardship in action!
There’s nothing wrong with being appreciated for our talents. But as Christian disciples and stewards of God’s many gifts, we must always remember that all good things come from Him, and we must live our lives in humble service and in gratitude for all He has given us.
