Daily Retreat 08/25/08

2008 Aug 25 Mon: Ordinary Weekday/ Louis of France, mm/ Joseph Calasanz, p, rf
2 Thes 1: 1-5. 11-12/ Ps 95(96): 1-2a. 2b-3. 4-5/ Mt 23: 13-22

From today’s readings:  “We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith....  Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations....  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!”

A New Direction

After months of daily first readings taken from the prophets, it probably seems like a breath of fresh air as we return to the New Testament, this time with the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians (at this time last year, the lectionary was highlighting the first letter to the Thessalonians).

As is often the case, Paul writes to give encouragement in time of tribulation, praising the Thessalonians because of “your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.”

This short letter can easily be read in its entirety in just a few minutes - why not do that now?