Augustine, Bishop, Doctor Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5
Alleluia: John 10: 27
Gospel: Matthew 23: 13-22
First Reading: Second Thessalonians 1: 1-5, 11-12
1 Paul, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you towards each other, aboundeth:
4 So that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations, which you endure,
5 For an example of the just judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you suffer.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you; that our God would make you worthy of his vocation, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith in power;
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5
R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2a Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
2b Shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
4 For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.
R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Alleluia: John 10: 27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
27 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 23: 13-22
13 But woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men, for you yourselves do not enter in; and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter.
14 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: because you devour the houses of widows, praying long prayers. For this you shall receive the greater judgment.
15 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you go round about the sea and the land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, you make him the child of hell twofold more than yourselves.
16 Woe to you blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but he that shall swear by the gold of the temple, is a debtor.
17 Ye foolish and blind; for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, is a debtor.
19 Ye blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20 He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it:
21 And whosoever shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth in it:
22 And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Reflection
Christ’s strong words against the scribes and Pharisees expose a faith that appears religious while obstructing the way to God. Their concern for rules and sacred things has become distorted: they honor what is outward, yet fail to enter the kingdom themselves or help others enter. The temple, the altar, and the gift placed upon it are holy because they belong to God. Nothing sacred can be used to disguise injustice, exploitation, or pride.
Against this blindness, the Church presents the Thessalonians, whose faith is growing, whose love is abundant, and whose patience endures suffering. Their witness does not shut the kingdom; it makes the grace of Christ visible. The Lord knows his sheep, and those who hear his voice follow him in a life shaped by faith and charity. Our own discipleship is tested in the same way: Does our practice of religion lead us toward mercy, truth, and love? May our worship become sincere, our words trustworthy, and our lives a proclamation of God’s marvelous deeds. Then the name of Jesus will be glorified in us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you know your sheep and call us to follow you. Deliver us from spiritual blindness, pride, and any use of religion that burdens others or hides our need for conversion. Give us a sincere heart that honors what is holy by practicing truth, mercy, and love. Strengthen our faith when we suffer, and make our charity grow toward those around us. May our words and actions open the way to you rather than close it. Let your grace work powerfully in us, so that your name may be glorified through our lives. Amen.
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