Mal. 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10 | Ps. 131:1-3  | 1Thes. 2:7b-9, 13 | Mt. 23:1-12

The covenant is a topic of today’s scripture readings.  Malachi reminds us that God has made a covenant with us and that God never forgets.  Also, if God remains faithful to us, why are we not able to be faithful to our fellow people?  Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has faithfully brought and taught God‘s commandments and covenant of love to them.  This Word of God leads and directs them if they remain faithful to God.  Jesus tells the people that while the leaders of the Jews have the authority to teach, they are to be listened to.  However, their actions are not to be followed because they do not practice what they preach.  The leaders want to be recognized and to be given places of honor without any sacrifice on their part.  Jesus teaches us that in order to achieve any recognition, we must live and walk each day according to God’s Word and with great love.

Take time to examine your life.  Do your actions match your words?  If not, what do you need to change?  Begin to do so now.