Work. Labor. Endure. Hope.

August 26, 2019

From today’s reading…

We give thanks to God always for all of you,

remembering you in our prayers,

unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love

and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,

before our God and Father,

knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen.”

Paul has a “squad” now in Timothy and Silvanus as he emerges as a leader in the new Church. He/they are writing to the Thessalonians (in Northern Greece) to encourage them because they are all under attack from Jews and Romans/Gentiles alike.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? 

Isn’t it interesting, though, that it seems so romantic and nostalgic to think of how exciting and rebellious and joy-filled these new Christians—followers of “The Way” as they were known then—must have been as they met in private, broke bread, supported one another, and made plans to spread the Good News?

The reality is they were being arrested, beaten, and killed for their beliefs.

There was no freedom of speech. Freedom of religion was somewhat tolerated but could be yanked from you by anyone in authority at any time. (Note what happened to Jesus.)

There was no freedom of the press and while most in that time could have weapons such as swords and knives, that was not their calling.

Our early Christian forefathers took great risks to live and launch the faith we took for granted, which is why Paul had to write to them—and you—to…

Stay the course.Keep the faith.Endure.