In the first reading, St. Paul reflects on his ministry among the Thessalonians, about his sincerity, love, and selflessness. He contrasts true ministry with actions driven by greed or deceit, reminding us that serving God means putting others’ needs above our own. His gentle and nurturing approach demonstrates the heart of genuine ministry: love rooted in the Gospel. We need to examine our motives and ensure that our actions reflect God’s truth and care. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the Pharisees, who focus on outward religious practices while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus calls for an inner transformation, urging his followers to cleanse their hearts before perfecting outward appearances. His words warn against hypocrisy and legalism, calling us to align our inner lives with the values of God’s kingdom. Our motives should be aligned with our actions. Then we could serve others with sincerity, justice, mercy, faith, and love.

PRAYER: Abba Father, purify our hearts to reflect your love. Amen.