The Gospel in today’s mass is pretty hard to take. So let’s look at it through the filter of the 1streading, beginning with Paul’s greeting: “grace to you and peace”.
Paul describes for us a religion that is simple and theological, leading to Christ’s resurrection and the end of time. Is my religion cast in the same mold? What is that mold. Paul gives me some suggestions for starters.
Is my faith active, that is, is it the impetus in how I act, in what I do? Do I go out of my way to be charitable to others? Does hope give me the armor I need to up with daily difficulties and disappointments?
How did these virtues come about in the Thessalonians? By steps: Through listening to and learning God’s words preached by Paul. That is, Theology; “but also in the power of the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.” Do I try to learn my faith better? Do I thank God each day for the power, that is the grace what he has done for me?
How faithful am I to prayer?
I’ll think about and pray about this reading, before I attempt to define the attitudes of modern-day Pharisees Christ defines in the Gospel.