Word to the Wise
Monday, August 27, 2007 - St. Monica (mother of St. Augustine)
[1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8B-10 and Matthew 23:13-22]For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
For the next few days, St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians will provide the first scripture for the day. The letter is important not just for its content (especially the later chapters on the end times) but because it is the oldest New Testament document, reliably dated to 50AD by most scripture scholars. When one realizes that Jesus died somewhere around 30AD, this letter represents a valuable glimpse at the very young Christian community and what was being preached and believed. St. Paul wrote this letter after receiving a report from his companion, Timothy, who had gone back to visit the community at Paul's request. The audience seems to be made up of converts from paganism. We know that Paul's preaching in Thessalonia caused a riot in the Jewish community. In any case, he is trying to encourage and support the young community. I identify with Paul's sentiments in a couple of ways. First there is the natural concern for the future of a new project in which one has had an important role in establishing. Second there is a subtle reminder of how things once were ("how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God...") and how it is important to remain faithful to the content of the preaching. All new movements go through growing pains both organizationally and ideologically. Paul wants to encourage them to stay the course. My own experience in campus ministry has often involved me in similar efforts to encourage students to maintain the enthusiasm and fidelity with which they begin a project. Sometimes I have to remind my own self about those kinds of things so that I can show a similar fidelity and enthusiasm in the face of years of effort. Continuing the effort and remaining faithful are important elements of Christian community life. It is worthwhile to ask ourselves how well we do with this in our own day. AMEN
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