Homily for Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II)

📖 Readings:

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5, 8b–10

  • Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, 9b

  • Matthew 23:13–22


Introduction 
There is a story of a man who got lost while driving in the countryside. He asked a local farmer for directions, and the farmer replied, “Well, if you want to get there, I wouldn’t start from here!” The man laughed but realized there is no other place to start except where you are. The same is true for our faith journey—we cannot begin from anywhere else but here and now, with the life God has given us.

The Word of God 


 In the first reading, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their vibrant faith, hope, and love. He notes that their example has spread “everywhere,” showing that authentic faith is contagious. Their lives became the Gospel others could see and hear.

The psalm calls us to sing a “new song” to the Lord, rejoicing in His faithful love and salvation. This song is not only sung with our lips but with our lives.

In the Gospel, Jesus sharply criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for hypocrisy. They closed the doors of God’s Kingdom on others while pretending to be righteous. They were more concerned about rules, appearances, and legalistic oaths than with true holiness. Jesus invites us to live faith with sincerity, mercy, and humility, not as a show for others.

Connection of the Readings
Both Paul and Jesus highlight the difference between genuine faith and false appearances. The Thessalonians lived their faith so well that others saw God in them. The Pharisees, however, looked religious but were empty inside. Faith is not about outward show, but about a heart that is surrendered to God and a life that witnesses to His love.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do people see the light of Christ in the way I live my daily life?

  2. Am I more concerned about appearances than the authenticity of my faith?

  3. How can I make my life a Gospel that others can “read”?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synodality)

  • The Jubilee year calls us to return to the essence of faith: mercy, forgiveness, and justice.

  • In the Synod on Synodality, the Church calls us to walk together in humility, avoiding hypocrisy, and listening deeply to one another.

  • Each of us must become living witnesses—so that our families, parishes, and communities experience God’s love through us.

Inspiration/Motivation
Authentic holiness is not loud, but it shines brightly. The Thessalonians didn’t just talk about faith—they lived it, and it spread like fire. In the same way, our quiet acts of love, honesty, forgiveness, and justice may be the only Gospel some people will ever read.

Quote for the Day
“Hypocrisy makes us actors in religion; sincerity makes us witnesses of Christ.”

Final Thoughts
Let us avoid the Pharisees’ trap of pretending to be holy while our hearts remain closed. Instead, like the Thessalonians, let us live faith in a way that attracts, inspires, and invites others to God’s Kingdom.

Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus, You call me to live not in empty appearances but in authentic love.
Free me from the temptation of hypocrisy,
and give me a heart that sings a new song of praise to You.
May my life become a witness of Your goodness,
so that others may see and glorify the Father.
Amen. 


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