Thomas Lima csc –
Readings: Mal 3:19-20; 2 Thes 3:7-12; Lk 21:5-19
Today’s first reading gives us the theme “don’t give up on doing good”.
Saint Paul is not trying to establish social service policies for the city of Thessalonica. He is trying to establish to do good for others even when you don’t have to. Those who seek to follow Christ must work and contribute to the good of the whole, work here is not limited to earning a paycheck, but is forced on fulfilling whatever purpose God has called
us to fulfil.
Today’s gospel is highlighting “persecution and endurance”. This is the key point of the gospel to reflect about. The gospel gives us the assurance of God’s faithfulness. Jesus says persecution is an opportunity to testify ourselves. As of now the problem arrives, we should not run away rather, with single-mindedness endure it. With great love accept it as taught by Jesus.
Today the Readings invite us to do whatever good we can, whenever we can, wherever we can, and whatever ways we can, even if we don’t have to. The “opportunity to testify” doesn’t require Jesus’ followers to know everything about “why bad things happen to good people.”
Jesus is promising that he will give the “words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.” Jesus’ earlier promise of the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in times of testimony now becomes Jesus’ own promise. When he commissions them as “my witnesses” he assures us of the power and presence of his Holy Spirit.