TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
Isaiah 45:1,4-6; Psalm 96
1 Thessalonians 1: -5b; Matthew 22:15-21
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH, LOVE AND HOPE
Today we read from the first of the New Testament books to be written. Paul’s second missionary journey took him to a number of places. One of these places is Thessalonica where he established a church.
At Corinth, Paul was happy to receive good news from the community at Thessalonica. He wrote to them to express his joy. This letter became the first of Paul’s letters and probably the first book of the New Testament.
In the letter, Paul noted that he was writing not only in his name but also in the name of his companions, Silvanus and Timothy. Silvanus, also called Silas, was a leader in the church and became a companion of Paul and Timothy, a young man so much in love with scripture and the Lord. He should have been in his late teens and Paul considered him his son.
Paul informs them that they are always held in prayer for the good work that is happening among them. Prayer is indispensable for the Christian life and vocation. Many of us pray for ourselves regarding the things we need. But another important aspect of prayer is offering it for others. Generally, this is called intercession. We must learn to intercede for one another. We must assure one another of the fellowship of prayer. We must also always remember to pray for the leaders of the church and also for those who have no one to pray for them. May we never forget one another in prayer.
In their prayer, they thank God for the work of faith that is evident among them, in spite of the challenges leading to the formation of the church and the endurance of their faith. They did not give up. For Paul to thank God for their faith indicated that by their lifestyle their faith was evident. They were not those who were Christians on Sundays and something else on Mondays. Their work of faith was shown in their way of life. Their actions differentiated them from others. We too must do the works of faith. Those around us should notice the difference between our actions and choices. Can you say that you have stopped doing something you used to do because now you are a Christian? What work is your faith producing in your relationship, work, family and as a citizen of this country?
Paul was thankful also for the labour of love of the Thessalonians. When we use the word “labour” it denotes toil, effort and attention. It seems more tedious. In talking about labour of love, Paul points to the sacrificing love that makes us go the extra mile for others. The labour of love is an attitude of self-denial. It is when you empty yourself of your own choices and do it for Jesus and others. This kind of agape is one that makes you love till it hurts. It makes you not to give up on the good that God can bring out of people; not to give up on your husband, wife, children and sinners. The labour of love is what keeps you around those who have been abandoned to their own fate and encouraging them. To be honest, this can be tiring sometimes. Love is work and it can become burdensome. But one thing is for sure, God will never forget our labour of love (Hebrews 6:9-12). What is your labour of love for the Lord? Are you engaged in any challenging activity for the Lord or you have no time?
Their endurance in hope was also commendable. Their hope in the Lord kept them going and not giving up. They faced a lot of challenges like persecution but did not give up. Their hope was in Jesus and his promise. In fact, Jesus promises that He will be with them until the end of time and that He goes to prepare a place for us. They know that things will get better. Christians’ hope is the certainty that God will fulfill his promise. This hope is what keeps us going. Despite the decay in society, the struggles we may be going through now, we know we shall win in the end with Jesus.
Jesus will surely make us win and we shall have the last lasting laugh. Hope teaches us that no matter what we are going through Jesus is with us and we are not left alone. Paul rightly pointed out that this hope does not disappoint us. (Romans 5:5)
May the Lord help us so that our faith may bear fruit, may we have love like He did and may we never forget his promises over our lives.
God bless you.
By Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
