People in high positions, politicians, teachers, priests, judges or doctors put a lot of effort into creating their good image.They know that their authority depends on good reputation. However, woe to those who create only their good image, but don't care about the authenticity of their life.

The scribes and Pharisees were extremely scrupulous in their outward practices, but their outward show didn't match the inner reality of their hearts. They not only neglected the poor and the weak, but they were furious and vengeful towards Jesus who told them their hypocrisy.

St. Paul tells us today that honest work is one of the most important signs of authenticity of life. The Apostle could give himself as an example to the Thessalonians because he was true to his own words. His powerful example of sacrificial life won many for the Gospel life.

Let us pray that we may live in accordance with the Gospel. May our words and deeds be an authentic testimony to the righteousness of our hearts.