Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the 21st week in ordinary time, August 26, 2026

Delivered by Svara Nirmala and Stella from the Parish of Our Lady of Assumption Mamajang in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-10.16-18; Rs psalm 128: 1-2.4-5; Matthew 23: 27-32.DON'T DO HYPOCRITICAL EVIL Our meditation today has the theme: Don't DoHypocritical Evil. Jesus Christ strongly criticized the religious leaders andrabbis who used their outward appearances to mask the intentions of theirthoughts and hearts. Jesus used the analogy of the grave, which manifests itsoutward with beautiful tiles or marble and some decorations on it, but insideit is full of smell and bones. There was a girl who once used this illustration whenshe found out her boyfriend's hypocrisy, which led them to the sad end andfinally they broke-up. She was so angry to discover the  evidence of conversations on her boyfriend'scellphone, which were to prove that her boyfriend had already affair with otherwomen. The girl had a strong reason to end their relationship, because herboyfriend was really a hypocrite. He looked so nice and he showed goodimpression in his words and deeds to express his love for her, but in realityhe was already impure and unfaithful. According to the Scriptures, sin and evil come fromthe uncleanness and corrupted human mind and heart, such as pride, lies andlust. All these weaknesses generate a sinful mind and action towards others.When an evil person harms someone with whatever intention that he has, it’s  clear for us to label him as a criminal. Hisword and action could be well predicted or perhaps we can immediately considerhim as a bad person, then we can prepare ourselves to face him if he might planto attack us. We normally use our humanly approach or even the law enforcementin order to help us dealing with such evil act. The problem that Jesus raisesin today's Gospel is about evil acts which are covered by hypocrisy.  People who do evil in this type are the criminals whoare actually quiet or polite, yet they are active behind the door. Their heartsand minds are filled with evil towards others. And yet, their hostilities aredifficult to detect. They can show themselves as polite, religious, neat,dignified and orderly persons. They can follow the current fashion. They can beintellectual and moralist. They can be rich and have influence. However, at aproper time they will explode with their crimes, and the consequence would befatal. So, an evil act covered by hypocrisy or a hypocritical evil is verydangerous and it should be cursed. Therefore the Lord Jesus also curses thoseacts by saying: "woe" to the evil ones. For all of us, the followersof Christ, let's never want to follow this way of life. Even if someone isalready familiar with this type of attitude, the noble advice to him or her isto return to the right and good way of life. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, You give warning andstrong condemnation for every evil hypocritical act. Guide us always to avoidall the desires and plans that comply with this evil act. Our Father who art inheaven ... In the name of the Father ...