2 Thess 1:1-5, 11-12 / Matthew 23:13-22
There are many differences between a small start-up business and large corporation.
A large corporation would have a big number of employees and many levels of management.
There are also many departments and also many SOPs and regulations to follow.
At times, it can get quite bloated and initiatives may take some time to get going.
For a small start-up business, the setup is simpler, but everyone has to work hard and work together to get the business up and going.
In a way, the Christian community of Thessalonica in the 1st reading, is a relatively new community.
St. Paul affirmed the Thessalonians of their faith and love for each other.
Even under persecutions and troubles, they were constant in faith and held firm to their beliefs.
But in the gospel, Jesus pointed out to the scribes and Pharisees how they have complicated their religion with many rules and regulations.
They made religion so bloated that the purpose of religion has lost its meaning.
May we be simple and humble in our faith, and trust in God’s providence.
May our faith be a joyful encounter of God’s love for us.