The teachings of Jesus can sometimes be so challenging! “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Can I be that forgiving?

We ask for the intercession of Mary, the first one to experience the fullness of Christ’s redeeming work, as we the pilgrim Church continue our journey through this earthly life, awaiting the glory that is to come.

We are called to become more childlike as followers of Jesus— eager, open, and loving.

Jesus brings fire Fire gives light Fire purifies Fire ignites Be fire! The fire of Jesus

The young man desired to be in relationship with Jesus. He was faithfully observant of the Commandments. But he could not reach that next level of total Commitment to Jesus and his Way.

“The Lord is with you,” Gideon heard. The Lord says the same to us. But there are times when it is difficult for us to really trust that. Those are the times when we must discern among the circumstances of our daily life the small signs that remind that God is accompanying us.

God’s generosity surpasses any measure our mind would find reasonable.

in the face of God’s goodness, mercy, and generosity we ought respond very quickly, “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”

Our whole following of Jesus is to be founded in the Greet Commandments of love. How well am I following?

Ruth’s faithfulness in relationship as rewarded. How have we experienced the reward of faithfulness in our relationships? How has our faithfulness to God been rewarded?

Open the door Speak Good News Be strong Christ’s Kingdom Kindness Tenderness Love

St. Paul affirms the Thessalonian Christians: Their work and endurance Their response to God’s call Their appropriate adherence to the examples set for them Their witness to Jesus and his Way

“You have searched me and you know me, Lord.” May our lives be filled with integrity and virtue, as Jesus called for in his preaching.

Pastors of souls can rejoice as their flocks receive God’s Word from them effectively, when the Word is offered with pastoral concern, exhortation, and encouragement.

The faithful and present steward stays “awake” to preserve and protect what rightfully belongs to the Divine Master.

God’s promise to those who work to build his Kingdom even among trials and persecution: “… I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”

“Love one another.” St. Paul reminded the Thessalonians. We need to be reminded too. Stop the rhetoric. Stop the rush to judgement. Stop the condemnation. “Love one another.”

Humility Needing salvation Accepting Open arms No grandiosity No selfishness No privilege All is gift

In today’s First Reading St. Paul inspires hope in his readers/listeners about the resurrection of the dead. May his words of consolation to the Thessalonian Christians be also for us words of consolation and hope.

We must always remain vigilant for we “know neither the day nor the hour.” We ought to be grateful for each day when we rise; and be aware that when we go to sleep we do not know if we will awaken.