Daily Catholic Lectio. Mon, 25 August ‘25. Faithful Witness, Not Empty Religion

Daily Catholic Lectio

Mon, 25 August ‘25

Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Monday

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10. Matthew 23:13-22

Faithful Witness, Not Empty Religion

1. The Power of the Gospel in Our Lives

Scripture: Paul rejoices that the Gospel came to the Thessalonians “not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thess 1:5). Their faith became so real that it spread “everywhere” (v. 8).

Church’s Teaching: Evangelii Nuntiandi (no. 41) reminds us that people today listen more to witnesses than to teachers—and if they listen to teachers, it is because they are also witnesses.

Pastoral Application: Our Christian life must not be mere words but visible faith: prayer lived out in action, love expressed in service, and hope seen in patience. Does my life make the Gospel believable to others?

2. Religion Without Sincerity

Scripture: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and scribes for hypocrisy—blocking the way to the Kingdom (Matt 23:13) and focusing on external oaths rather than true worship (vv. 16–22). They prized rituals but lost sight of God’s presence.

Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 2111) warns that empty external practices without faith are superstition. True worship comes from heart and life.

Pastoral Application: We too may fall into “empty religion”—valuing titles, places, or rituals while forgetting their purpose. The Church’s sacraments, prayers, and devotions are meant to lead us to God, not to replace Him.

3. Living as Authentic Witnesses of Hope

Scripture: The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thess 1:9–10). Their faith was a movement—turning away, turning toward, and waiting in hope.

Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 48) teaches that the Church is a pilgrim people, awaiting the coming of Christ in glory, yet already living in His Spirit.

Pastoral Application: Our lives should reflect this same dynamic: daily turning away from idols (money, pride, comfort), turning toward service of the living God, and living in joyful hope of Christ’s return.

Conclusion

The Thessalonians remind us that faith is powerful witness, not empty words. Jesus warns us against hollow religion that blocks others from God. Today we are called to turn from idols, live authentically, and witness to the Gospel with sincerity—so that our lives, like the Thessalonians’, may proclaim: “The living and true God is with us.”

In sum, Saint Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith was not just words but a living witness that spread everywhere. Their lives showed the work of faith, the labour of love, and the steadfastness of hope in Christ. Jesus, by contrast, warns the Pharisees for blocking others from God with empty religion and hypocrisy. True discipleship means turning away from idols, serving the living God, and waiting in hope for Christ. Our faith must be authentic, not superficial—so that our lives lead others to God’s Kingdom.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy