Mal 1:14-2:2. 8-10; Ps 130(131); 1 Thess 2:7-9, 13; Matt 23:1-12
Malachi, which means “My Messenger”, was written about 500 BC, after the return from exile and shortly before the reforms by Ezra and Nehemiah. The Priests will be cursed because they despised the Lord’s Name by sacrificing imperfect animals. They were allowing mixed marriages and divorce, and leading the people astray by their bad example. They have broken the Lord’s covenant of peace, truth, integrity and honesty.
The psalm protests our humility and freedom from worldly ambitions.
After being treated “insolently” in Philippi, Paul, “with much struggle”, “drew courage from God” to speak the gospel to the Thessalonians. He neither flattered nor sought praise or payment, So great was Paul’s love for the Thessalonians that he shared his life with them, and took care to work hard to support himself. He is relieved that the Thessalonians’ faith is now strong even in the face of persecution.
After the last challenges to Jesus by the Jewish leaders in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has now abandoned them. The Priests’ false teaching and bad example criticised by Malachi has returned. No-one should follow their example. He now talks to his disciples only, and goes on to direct seven “woes” against the scribes and Pharisees, detailing their wrongdoing. He ends by lamenting the coming destruction of Jerusalem.
Psalm Response: Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord
Mal 1:14-2:2. 8-10; Ps 130(131); 1 Thess 2:7-9, 13; Matt 23:1-12
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