Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
They do not practise what they preach
The Word This Week
An
awkward set of readings to sit through as a priest today! The more
responsibility we have for the flock of God, the more is demanded of us. But
for all Gods people, there is the need for constant vigilance, to be on guard
against hypocrisy and complacency, the two greatest threats to our living Gods
way and not our own, self-serving way. This is a prelude to the end: for the
next three weeks we will think about the end of the world and the judgement
that awaits. This Sundays readings should begin to encourage us not to fear
and dread that day, but to look forward to it, by putting our lives in order
and living as the Lord showed us.
Notes for Readers
First
Reading: Malachi 1:14 - 2:2.8-10
Try
not to look at your Parish Priest when reading this one! Remember that by
Baptism we all share in the priesthood of Christ, so if there is a message for
anyone in this reading it is for all of us, for we are all priests in him. Its
very difficult to read a denunciation like this without going over the top, but
still putting some expression into these powerful words. At the centre of the
reading is the key word, Covenant: the covenant is the relationship between
God and man, destroyed by sin, restored by Christ, in whom we find reconciliation.
Are any of us without sin? The language of this reading might seem extreme, but
it is a call to all of us to examine the integrity of our lives, and the faith
we have with one another. Read clearly and steadily, avoiding dramatic
thunderings; keep some change of tone for the appeal in the last paragraph -
and then leave the questions hanging in the air for a while, before you say
This is the word of the Lord.
Second
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9.13
In
a sense there couldnt be a greater contrast between the first and second
readings today (one reason for always having two readers); but the theme is
still the same: accepting Gods message as it is will shatter hypocrisy, and
allow a living power among those who believe it. The tenderness of this reading
is very important: the first three words lead in well to that: Like a
mother... Be careful with the first sentence, working out where to pause. Also
watch the emphasis in the second paragraph, which is a single sentence:
Another reason why we constantly thank God for you | is that as soon as you
heard the message - that we brought you as Gods message -| you accepted it for
what it really is || Gods message | and not some human thinking...