Thursday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

August 31, 2023

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/thursday-twenty-first-week-ordinary-time

Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy, our readings speak to us about the power of witness.

We need the witness of one another’s faith to strengthen our own on life’s long journey. Even the strongest spiritual leader is encouraged by the faith and vitality of their traveling companions.

Paul was confirmed by the faithful witness of the Thessalonians to the point that his grateful prayer pours out in today’s letter.

We have been reassured about you, brothers and sisters,

in our every distress and affliction, through your faith.

For we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you,

for all the joy we feel on your account before our God?

1 Thessalonians 3:7-9

In our Gospel, Jesus tells us that it takes constant vigilance to assure this kind of fidelity in our hearts. There are days when the long journey exhausts us. Sometimes one valley comes so quickly upon another that we stumble a bit in our trust or resolve.

It is at such times that the witness of those beside us is so important. When we are in the valley, we need to lifted by their light. When we are on the hilltop, we need to give that light unselfishly.

That mutuality seems to be working for Paul and the Thessalonians. We can join in Paul’s prayer, remembering when it has gifted us.

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Poetry: Thank God for Little Things – Helen Steiner Rice

Thank You, God, for little things
that often come our way—

The things we take for granted
but don’t mention when we pray—

The unexpected courtesy,
the thoughtful, kindly deed—

A hand reached out to help us
in the time of sudden need—

Oh make us more aware, dear God,
of little daily graces

That come to us with “Sweet Surprise”
from never-dreamed-of places.

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Music: I Thank My God – Frank Anderson

Chorus

I thank my God each time I think of you.

And when I pray for you I pray with joy.

1

Now there is one thing I am sure of

He who begins this work in you

Will see that it is truly finished

When the day of Jesus comes.

2

That I should feel like this towards you

Seems only natural to me.

For you have shared with me my labours;

The Gospel privilege with me.

3

Since you have borne with me my burdens,

I now bear you within my heart.

And God alone knows how I miss you.

I love you just as Christ loves me.

3

Since you have borne with me my burdens,

I now bear you in my heart.

And God alone knows how I miss you.

I love you just as Christ loves me.

4

I pray your knowledge will be deepened.

Your love be mutual and strong.

Then you will reach the perfect goodness.

Then to the Lord you will belong.