21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 

If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, would you bother working today?   Scholars think this may have been the issue that the Christians in Thessalonica were struggling with.   Believing that the Second Coming of Christ was near, some people had stopped working and began living off other people.   This did nothing but stir up anxiety and division.

So Paul wrote to assure them that even though the end could happen at any time, they needed to continue living every day to its fullest.   He pointed to his own example when he lived with them:   “In toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:8).

Paul understood that life can be a hard slog at times.   He knew that it could be tempting to throw in the towel and just wait for Christ to come again.   But he also knew the value of work as a way to practice the art of serving and caring for other people.   He knew how important it was for everyone to contribute to the good of the people around them.   For without this sense of accomplishment, without the blessings of responsibility and dedication that come from work, our minds can wander into darkness, and we can lose sight of our calling to be a light to the world.

Of course not everyone can work at a job.   But that doesn’t mean we should give up.   There’s plenty to do!   Volunteering at our church or local community center can help us make a difference.   Committing to keep in touch with family and friends can make us a voice of encouragement and blessing.   And there’s always the necessary and fruitful work of interceding, not just for loved ones, but for everyone!

Paul ended his letter asking God to pour out his peace on the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:16).   We can look at this as a standard sign-off, but perhaps there’s something more.   Perhaps Paul took one final opportunity to remind them that peace is more likely to grow when everyone is actively committed to the work and vocation God has given them.

“Lord, help me focus on your promises as I to do your work on earth.”

Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5
Matthew 23:27-32