Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 28 August 2024
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday
Saint Augustine, Memorial
2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18. Matthew 23:27-32
Work and discipline
In today’s gospel reading, third day consequently, we have been hearing the ‘woe’ messages of Jesus on the scribes and Pharisees. In this passage, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of these religious leaders, likening them to whitewashed tombs – beautiful on the outside but full of death and decay within. This imagery invites us to reflect on the danger of external appearances when they do not correspond to the inner reality of our hearts.
Let us turn our attention to the first reading of the day, which becomes significant for us when we reflect on Saint Augustine, a Bishop and a Doctor of the Church.
In today’s first reading, we hear St. Paul addressing the Christian community in Thessalonica with some very practical and pointed advice. He urges them to live in a way that reflects their faith, specifically focusing on the importance of work, discipline, and the witness of their lives.
St. Paul begins by instructing the Thessalonians to avoid those who lead a “disorderly life” and do not follow the tradition he handed down to them. He highlights the example that he and his companions set when they were among them: “We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labour, we worked night and day.” Paul’s emphasis here is on the dignity of work and the importance of not being a burden to others.
In his exhortation, Paul makes it clear that work is not merely a means of earning a living but is also a way of contributing to the community and living out the Gospel. For Paul, idleness is not just a failure of personal responsibility; it is a failure of Christian witness. “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” This strong statement underscores the expectation that each member of the community should contribute to the common good, according to their abilities.
This passage challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards work and responsibility. In our modern world, work is often seen as a necessary evil or merely a means to an end. However, Paul reminds us that work, when done in the right spirit, can be a form of service to God and others. It is through our daily tasks and responsibilities that we can glorify God, support our families, and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Furthermore, Paul’s teaching invites us to reflect on how we support one another within the Christian community. Are we encouraging one another to live disciplined and productive lives? Are we willing to assist those in genuine need, while also encouraging a spirit of responsibility and mutual support?
St. Paul concludes this passage with a blessing: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” His words remind us that the peace of Christ is the foundation of our lives and our work.
Today, we commemorate Saint Augustine, who moved away from his ‘disorderly life’. His work and discipline are laudable. The dedication he has shown in bringing out his classics such as ‘The Confessions’ and ‘The City of God’ is great. His influence runs across space and time.
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The pilgrims of hope do their daily duties with a spirit of peace, diligence, and integrity, knowing that in all they do, they are called to reflect the love and order of Christ. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 184).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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