Work of faith and labor of love: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Listen to the homily here.

Notes:

St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians (the first written for the New Testament)

·      As I read this passage, I imagined about the church in Thessalonica, and its leaders (Paul, Silvanus and Timothy)

·      Then I again read the passage and I would like to mention what I believe in you—our parishioners—our brothers and sisters

o   “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…”

Our family is amazing in working of faith and laboring with love

·      All of you parents with children: that is laboring with love

·      We have many connections with Backus, our neighbor: leaders, volunteers, employees and several parishioners labor with love for our community

o   Community Café

o   Ruby’s Pantry

o   The new playground (Green Acres) with Backus, our Fire Chief (grilling the hot dogs), Mayor, commissioners, our school—teachers, principal, students and parents

·      As we had family lunch on Wednesday in the Hall, and down the next room we had the Clothes Closet: more laboring with love

·      Servants of Shelter: laboring with love

·      Serving at Mass: servers, sacristans, cleaning, musicians, lectors, ushers: laboring with love

·      Visiting loved ones in homes, assisted homes, nursing homes, the hospital with time, presence and the Eucharist: laboring with love

So brothers and sisters:

·      Follow “…endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen.”

·      Keep continue to serve!

·      Endure our journey with hope!

·      God has chosen each of you with a mission in your life, and in the movements in our family

So once again, as your pastor and your brother, I “…give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in [my] prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love…”