Letters for Today…

We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of ourLord Jesus Christ – 1 Thes 1:2-3

In the early days of our faith disciples of Jesus established Christian communities and Churches throughout the known world. These early communities were often besieged, ridiculed, and made to suffer at the hands of the authorities and unbelievers. Paul journeyed to these Churches to the local communities to establish a working, functioning Christian faith. He would also write letters to these cities of Thessalonia, Rome, Corinth, etc. to answer theological questions and to bolster their spirits.
As you listen to Paul’s letters proclaimed from the pulpit do think of the early Churches and how much of a struggle it was to actually be a Christian and proclaim the faith? As I hear and read Paul’s letters I close my eyes and I realize that not only is he addressing the Thessalonians, Romans, Corinthians, he is also addressing us today in our time, Middleboroians, Rochesterians, Americans, Chinese, and all the world’s Christians of today.
Paul is thanking us in the here and now, for our faith, labor of love and enduring hope in our risen Lord. He is giving us encouragement in a time when people are “offended” by the phrase “Merry Christmas” and society seems to be more materialistic and atheistic. He is telling us to take heart! Do not be discouraged! Our Lord is with you! Pauls’ letters are indeed for all time!
As we listen to Paul’s letters, imagine Paul addressing you right now. Pay attention to his message to you… let yourself be buoyed up in faith, hope and love. Paul is praying for you as is our risen Lord…
—God Bless, Holly Clark