Sunday, August 23, 2020

Parish Bulletin Article: "Encouragement": 8-23-2020

Earlier this week, we had a feast for St. Bartholomew, one of our twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.  His name was Nathaniel as different lists for “The Twelve” show different names, which is standard in their culture.  I also gave a homily about St. Bartholomew and preached that one of his nicknames was “The Encourager”!  But alas, my culpa, my culpa, this patron saint is actually St. Barnabas!  LOL!

Anyway, I preached about how crucial it is for encouragement during the times today.  In this daily homily I asked our parishioners, and ask you today two questions, that hopefully support your journey:

1.)        Who may you encourage someone else today?  Spouse?  Children?  Teacher?  Grandkids?  Parishioners?

2.)        Who have you recently experienced encouragement from someone else?  

I know that in my life now, encouragement certainly supports my relationship with God, as all of our encouragement originally comes from God through you!  And thank you for your encouragement to me.  Praise God!

Earlier this week, we had another passage using that same crucial word:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word” (2nd Thessalonians 2:14-17).

To conclude this article, let us grow by offering and receiving encouragement!  Don’t we need that more than ever?  And “stand firm” against any polarization, hate, anger, judgment, or gossip.  Let’s keep rollin’ as a family as brothers and sisters!

God Bless!

 

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