1 Thess 1:1-5, 8-10 / Matthew 21:13-22
To say that we believe in something, then our actions must also express that belief.
So if we say that we believe that physical exercise is good for the body, then we should be doing it every day.
If we say that organic foods are good for health, then we will be eating organic foods every day.
And if we say that we believe in heaven, then we will prepare to go there by our way of life here on earth.
For the Thessalonians in the 1st reading, they believe that God loves them and that they were chosen by God.
They believed in the Good News not just as words but as utter conviction.
Their lives were changed and they converted to God and became servants of the living God and placed their hope in Jesus.
On the contrary, the scribes and Pharisees were living hypocritical lives.
They know about heaven and the eternal life and yet they were the ones who shut up the Kingdom of God in men’s faces.
So, if we believe in heaven and in eternal life, let our actions express our belief.
Let us love God and our neighbour and live peaceful lives and focused on doing good to others.
Then, by our actions we express our belief in heaven and in eternal life, and we will also be helping others go to heaven.