An elderly cousin called me the other day. I say elderly because she is in her early 90’S. She was in a bit of a panic.
Here we are, two thousand years later and we are still faced with what St. Paul addressed in his letter today to the people of Thessalonica. People were fixated on the possible second coming of Christ. They were beside themselves. Paul had to tell them, don’t be shaken by some of the things you are hearing, alarmed by voices and people who say they are getting messages.
St. Paul told the people to hold fast to what they were taught. Listen to oral arguments that come from the leaders in the church. Accept letters that come from him and the other disciples.
Sounds to me that this is also what some people need to hear today. However, they need to hear it in the manner that St. Paul expressed it.
- He acknowledged the seriousness of their concerns.
- He offered encouragement and reassurance that all would be well.
- He concluded with words of encouragement and hope that God would strengthen them in every good deed and word.
In the gospel today, Jesus also addressed the concern that Paul addressed in his letter. Jesus was telling people to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Even today there are far too many examples of supposedly good men and women exploiting others. Jesus provided examples from his interaction with scribes and Pharisees, and we too can provide our own examples from our experiences today.
Fortunately, there are far more men and women who are truly like shepherds, putting their lives and livelihood on the line so that others may benefit. This pandemic has made heroes of them, from garbage collectors to the nurses and millions more like them, who evidence mercy and compassion in their interaction with others.
We possess a rich tradition; we are a holy people. God will strengthen both in us if we hold fast and pray every day.
- To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
