*REFLECTION FOR TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father who has given us His love and, through His grace, such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, comfort you and strengthen you in everything good that you do or say." (2 Th 2: 16- 17) 

   With these words of encouragement and admonition, St. Paul in the first reading (2 Th 2: 1-3, 14-17) called on the faithful of Thessalonica to stand firm in keeping to the tradition they have handed over to them either by words of mouth or through letter. They are to be careful of unfounded and inauthentic teachings. So, who do you listen to - The one who preaches his "own message" to exalt and enrich himself or the one who preaches the Truth of the gospel even when it hurts? 

   In the gospel (Matt. 23: 23-26), Jesus continues to rebuke the religious leaders, the Scribes and Pharisees. They were filled with pride and contempt for others who were not like themselves. They put unnecessary burden on others while neglecting to show charity, especially for the weak and poor. 

   Dear friends, "an unexamined life is not worth living" according to *Socrates* . We cannot keep a blind eye on our weaknesses in the cover of "religious performance". Unlike the Scribes and Pharisees who live double lives, we are invited to introspectively re-examine our relationship with God and our neighbour. 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will be patient, loving and sincere in our relationships in order to radiate God's love and mercy to others. May our lives be the gospel others have to read and experience. May we preach the Truth of the gospel whether accepted or not for "the word of God is something alive and active; it can judge secret emotions and thoughts" (Heb 4:12). Have a Truth-full day!