Like a Thief in the Night

Tuesday of Week 22 in Ordinary Time

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6,9-11

For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord 

will come like a thief in the night.

Luke 4:31-37

What is there about his word?

Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is wrapping up with a reminder about being ready for the Lord’s return.  The emphasis is not on who is in and who is out, but rather it is an encouragement in hope.  Paul encourages the Thessalonians to keep on being there for one another, something they have proven to be very good at.  Like a thief in the night means that it will be a surprise.  I don’t think the takeaway is, so sit on the side of your bed with your gun cocked.  Paul is reminding me:  Let the authority of God’s Word, made known in Christ, guide your thoughts words and deeds…and leave the rest to me.

Tomorrow the lectionary leaves Thessalonica for Colossae.  So I’ll have Paul pray for me this day (5:23-26,28)

Now may the God of Peace,

himself make you perfectly holy

and may your whole being—spirit, soul and body—

be kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The one who calls you is trustworthy and so will accomplish this. 

Brothers and sisters, pray also for us.

Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.

            The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And the people say:  And with your spirit!

…our liturgical language is OLD