AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

WEDNESDAY WEEK 21 IN ORDINARY TIME: Universalis
Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

First Reading 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18 
We worked night and day not to be a burden on you

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we urge you, brothers, to keep away from any of the brothers who refuses to work or to live according to the tradition we passed on to you.

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.

We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

From me, PAUL, these greetings in my own handwriting, which is the mark of genuineness in every letter; this is my own writing. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Responsorial Psalm: O blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Gospel 23:27-32 You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who build the sepulchres of the prophets and decorate the tombs of holy men, saying, “We would never have joined in shedding the blood of the prophets, had we lived in our fathers’ day.” So! Your own evidence tells against you! You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets! Very well then, finish off the work that your fathers began.’

Heavenly Father, our sole provider, we pray for good jobs and a reliable source of livelihood. Blessed are those who fear you, Lord, and walk in your ways. By their labor, they shall eat and prosper.

Saint Paul advised his followers to avoid those who refuse to work and emphasized living by the traditions passed down to believers. As members of your Church, we uphold these traditions, which are the foundation of our faith. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. Father, for all seeking employment, grant their hearts' desires so we may remain faithful to the tradition handed down to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus, I trust in you. Keep me faithful to God's commandments and the law. True to the tradition, and member of your Church. Virgin Mary, pray for me. Saint Joseph, pray for me. Saint Augustine, Doctor of the Church, pray for me. God's Angels, pray for me. My Guardian Angel, pray for me.

Let us pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Mary, full of grace. Hail, Holy Queen.

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