21stWeek in Ord. Time, Saturday – 2nd September 2023 – 1 Thess 4,9-12; Mt 25,14-30
Tips to Live in Love
In the first reading, St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians appreciating them on how well they have learned about, and put into practice, the concept of love. Having warned them about sexual abuses (‘loving’ in the wrong way), Paul now goes on to speak about true love for each other. He urges them to continue to develop their love for others because they have been loved by God. Since God has demonstrated to them and taught them about divine love, they are in turn to show fraternal love for one another. They have heeded Christ’s message of love of neighbour and they should improve it within the community. Therefore, St. Paul gives them three practical tips to live in love: 1) By living in tranquility; 2) Minding one’s own business; and 3) Doing one’s work with one’s own hands. If they live as Paul suggests, the Thessalonian Christians will earn the respect from outsiders and not be dependent on others.
