Readings and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday of the 21st week in ordinary time, August 26, 2025

Delivered by Ariel from the Parish of Saint Albert the Great in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-8; Rs psalm 139: 1-3.4-6; Matthew 23: 23-26.THE BALANCE OF OFFERING AND LOVE The title for our meditation today is: Balance ofOffering and Love. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were verymeticulous in tithing everything, even the smallest things, but forgot the farmore important things, namely justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their behaviorshows that outward worship can be empty if it is not accompanied by the rightattitude of heart.  They are more concerned with what appears to the humaneye than with what is pleasing to God. This rebuke of Jesus is also relevantfor us today, so that we do not get caught up in godliness that is only theouter skin. If a person prioritizes good name, honor, and praiseover justice and love for others, then the consequences can be fatal. First,the relationship with God becomes superficial because prayer and offerings areonly used as masks. Second, relationships with others are damaged becausecompassion is not present in real action.  Third, hypocrisy is born, where only pseudo-kindnessis shown, even though the heart is filled with selfishness. Finally, all ofthis gives birth to social injustice and indifference to the suffering ofothers. As Christians, we are called to live a balance betweenworship of God and concern for others. Offerings of prayer and thanksgiving areimportant expressions of faith, yet they should not separate us from the callto be merciful, just, and faithful in our daily actions. Without love andjustice, our prayers are just empty words. On the contrary, without prayer, ouracts of love can lose their direction and become mere human morality. That balance is realized when our prayers flow intotangible actions. When we pray, we are invited to realize God's unconditionallove, and then pass it on to others who are suffering. When we give thanks forGod's blessings, we are invited to share with those in need. Whenever wecelebrate faith, it should foster faithfulness to stand up for the weak, upholdjustice, and show compassion. Let us, then, as followers of Christ, not only bediligent in prayer and offering, but also be witnesses of love in our dailylives. True godliness is not only measured by how many prayers we offer orofferings, but by the extent to which the prayer becomes real concern. Thus, weare not trapped like the Pharisees whom Jesus rebuked, but rather becomechildren of God who live in love, justice, and faithfulness. Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O merciful God,strengthen us in faith with a balance between our prayers, praise, ourgratitude to You and our acts of love for others. Hail Mary full of grace... Inthe name of the Father...