Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 28, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Augustine

Scripture Text:  2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The 1st reading today from Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Thessalonians urges the followers of Christ in that community to be contributing members to the community.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I contributing to my faith community?

Praying:

LORD, You are source of all being and from You all goodness and love flow. Send your Spirit to ignite in me the spark of generosity, seeking to bring what goodness I can, for your glory, wherever I am. Help me to use wisely and lovingly the gifts that You have given to me for the well-being of others. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.