Monday, August 26, 2024

Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(II Thessalonians 1:1-5.11-12; Matthew 23:13-22)

In today’s first reading St. Paul begins his letter by typically thanking God.  Writing to the Thessalonians, he mentions how grateful he is for their accepting the faith and living it with love for one another. 

For Paul thanksgiving is a way of life.  He sees God as the initiator of every good thing.  He knows that griping may draw others’ attention but ultimately creates consternation for everyone concerned.  It is better, he would say, to thank God for the goodness He has bestowed than to grumble over any difficulties He has proportioned.

There is a lesson here for all of us.  The more that we can thank God for the good encountered and even for the evil endured, the closer to God we will become.  Near to Him, we will find happiness.

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