First Reading: (Mal 1:14-2:2.8-10). The prophet berates the priests of his day for failing to live up to their calling.
Second Reading (1 Thess 2:7-9.13). Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his love and care for them, and how hard he worked to bring them the Good News.
Gospel (Mt 23:1-12). Jesus launches a strong attack on the Scribes and Pharisees, but what he says is important for us too.
Malachi attacks the laxity and carelessness that have set in regarding morality and worship. He specifically takes the priests to task, berating them for not living up to their calling, and thus being responsible for the erosion of faith among the people.
In the Gospel we see how strong Jesus was in his criticism of those who use religion to gain spiritual power, and who do not live what is at the heart of religion: love and compassion, justice and faith.
Matthew applies it to the leaders, who are in danger of repeating the mistakes of the Pharisees of the infant church.