Inner Attitude

Both St. Paul and Jesus are speaking to their respective audiences in today’s readings.  However, the tone of these readings could not be more different.  In the first reading, St. Paul is exhorting the people of Thessalonika by encouraging them and by complimenting them.  He gives thanks for the fact that they have received the Word of God and embraced it.  

On the other hands, Jesus employs a far harsher tone in his denunciation of the Pharisees.  He refers to them as tombs that are beautiful on the outside but filled with rotting corpses on the inside.  

The disparity between St. Paul’s exhortation and that of Jesus begs us to ask ourselves which kind of exhortation we would receive if we were the intended audience of St. Paul and Jesus, for, in reality, that is exactly who we are.  It would be very easy to accept the words that St. Paul offers us today.  What he says to the Thessalonians could be said of us.  We have accepted God’s word and tried to embrace it.  In that sense we are part of God’s success story. 

However, perhaps the words that Jesus directs at the Pharisees might also be apropos for us.  Perhaps there are times in our lives when we have not been what we purport to be.  It is important to remember that although the Pharisees are oftentimes on the receiving end of Jesus’ stern words, they were for the most part good people.  They kept the commandments.  They offered sacrifices in the Temple.  They observed the statutes and precepts of the Law.  

So what distinguishes the Thessalonians from the Pharisees in today’s readings?  The answer lies in their attitude, the inner spirit with which they approach the Word of God.  So the Scriptures ask us to do an attitude check today.  Is our outward appearance a reflection of a positive inside attitude?  

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator