Breaking the Word

21^stWeek in Ord. Time, Friday – 1^st September 2023 —  1 Thess 4,1-8; Mt 25,1-13

Call to Holiness of Relationship

In the first reading, St.Paul urges the faithful Thessalonians to seek a closer relationship with God by striving more diligently to live a pure and holy life. This exhortation particularly concerns the matter of chastity. Paul describes the importance of having a licit and valid marriage and to avoid all forms of sexual misconduct. He begins by making his appeal and exhortation in the name of the Lord, “we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus…” Paul does not talk to them arrogantly but does speak with authority in the Lord Jesus. Earlier, he had instructed them on how to live in ways that please God. But now he urges them to make even more progress in the way of the Lord. It points to steady progress in a forward direction. All forms of sexual misconduct are to be avoided, in consideration of the truth that God sanctifies his faithful by the presence of the Holy Spirit in them. He exhorts the Christians to sexual integrity and self-restraint.

21^st Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 30^thAugust 2023 – 1 Thess 2,9-13; Mt 23,27-32

Dedicated and Affectionate Apostle

In the first reading, St.Paul continues to praise the people of Thessalonika for living lives that manifest, they have not only heard the Word of God but have put it into action in their lives. The Thessalonians have responded in a very positive way to the teachings of Paul. Paul also realizes that the faith that they have received from his preaching is the work of God, not just the mere work of the human agent, even though he worked in extreme diligence for the new community of believers. He speaks to the faithful Thessalonians as a loving parent to the children, urging them, encouraging them and appealing to them to live a life worthy of the God who calls them to share his kingdom and his glory. He is proud of the example he has set for others. It was a work combining both dedication and affection. The Thessalonians themselves have seen how Paul’s behaviour among them has always been impeccable and upright.