SAINT AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (MEMORIAL)

We give thanks to God always for all of you.

Today we begin reading St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians—and what an encouraging greeting he gives them! He thanks God for them, prays for them, and never stops recalling their “work of faith and labor of love and endurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

Paul’s words are even more meaningful when we consider what he is addressing in this early Christian community. He and Silas had proclaimed the gospel in Thessalonica, where both Jews and Greeks came to believe in Jesus. Their strong faith brought Paul great joy and inspired the believers throughout Macedonia and as far away as Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7). But Paul’s and Silas’ preaching also aroused opposition, so the Thessalonians had to send them away during the night for their own safety (Acts 17:10). The Thessalonians also suffered threats of persecution and needed encouragement to persevere. Finally, Paul had to address issues of immorality, lack of mutual love, and their misguided approach to Jesus’ Second Coming.

It’s clear that the Thessalonians hadn’t done everything perfectly. Even so, Paul begins by recounting how much they have grown. They might have disappointed him, but he responded with mercy instead of harshness. In this way, he reflects our heavenly Father’s heart toward us, his imperfect children, and he shows us a blueprint for loving people: see the whole person, highlight the positives, and then acknowledge and forgive the failures.

We may not be tasked with building a church, but we are called to love the people around us every day. And there will be times when this is difficult! When that happens, we probably find it easier to focus on their weaknesses and not their strengths. But like Paul, we can call to mind their progress and labors of love instead. We can ask God to help us to see them as he does. And we can ask him to fill our hearts with mercy and our mouths with encouragement. As we do, we’ll be able to reflect the compassion and love of our Father in heaven.

“Father, help me to be merciful as you are merciful.”

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10
Psalm 149:1-6, 9
Matthew 23:13-22