December 3, 2020

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Paul writes to the Thessalonians, "We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers..."  I can relate.  I am so thankful for you.  I thank God that you understand how important it is to protect one another.  I am thankful that you are doing what you can to stay connected and to care for your body, mind, and spirit.  To say this pandemic  has been difficult would be an understatement.  And yet, God has chosen you for this time.  Your love, generosity, and perseverance is no accident.  God has called you over time to follow the Gospel.  While our attentiveness to God ebbs and flows, sometimes stronger other times weaker, you still have much to hold onto.  You have faith in the way of Christ.  You have learned from this one sent by God how to love the other, pay attention to the needs of the hungry, and see the presence of God even in the midst of suffering.  The Gospel has taught you to claim your neighbor as a part of your family.  I am not surprised by how you have approached these difficulties.  I am thankful for your sustaining faith.

And I believe that faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ will help us to live fully again.  For all who are tired of hateful rhetoric, there is a Word of Love free to all who wish to receive it.  For any who feel lost and without a purpose, Jesus offers the way, the truth, and the life.  In a world that is unjust and violent, living into the Gospel can show us how to stand up and speak out.  For those who are lonely and feel forgotten, there is a song that reminds us, "What a friend we have in Jesus."  

I am thankful for you.  It makes me happy that you are thankful for one another.  And it inspires the world to know faith in a love that is bigger than any one of us, and connects all of us, will help us to find our way.

Today might be a good day to call someone and let them know you are thankful for their love and faithfulness.  

Peace,
Dean