Work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today set a contrast between the effect of disciples who demonstrate "work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope" and those who proclaim rules and become arbiters of the grace of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians giving thanks to God for the faith, love and hope which has become the hallmark of these people as they have opened to the action of the Spirit of God in them to build their power and conviction. The Gospel of Matthew tells of Jesus observation of the actions of those "blind guides" of religious practice. They are hypocrites who have tasks and rules for others to be sanctified yet seem to be closed to the action of the sanctifying intimacy with God offered to them. The Catholic Church today commemorates the memorial of the "Queenship of Mary". Her life of faith, love and steadfastness is the "yes" response to the invitation to be in intimate relationship with God and to be the Queen leading the disciples as the true guide. Today we look and see authentic guides to our journey of faithful communion with the Divine as well as those who continue to misdirect by their words and actions. The Spirit will illuminate the faithful with the grace to "hear His voice" above the din.