2 Thess 2:1-3, 14-17 / Matthew 23:23-26
Sitting in a car that is travelling at a high speed, we won’t be able to notice or observe much of the surroundings.
We will be too thrilled and distracted by how fast the car is going and also fearing for our safety.
Similarly when life is moving fast, we won’t notice or observe what is happening to ourselves or to others.
That may also lead us to only think for ourselves and whatever is coming up next.
And we also won’t have time to stop and think about where we are going and what we are doing.
In the first reading, St. Paul warns the Thessalonians not to get excited or alarmed by any predictions or rumour or any letter claiming that the Day of the Lord has arrived.
Instead he tells them to stand firm and keep the traditions that they were taught.
To do that would mean that they have to stop, think and reflect about who they are and what God is saying to them.
In the gospel, Jesus says that the Pharisees are caught up with paying tithes on the weight of the herbs but forgetting about the weightier of the Law, like justice, mercy and good faith.
It is like washing cups and dishes quickly, but only washing them on the outside and not cleaning the inside.
So, it is about slowing down and even being still, so that we know what we are doing and also listening and seeing what God is saying and showing us.
To pray is to stop and be still and to reflect about what is happening to us and what God is saying to us.
When we listen to the voice of God in prayer, our souls will be cleansed and we will know what God wants us to do.