Scriptures: Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38
Nancy Jo Bleier, Worship Leader
Reflection 11/9/25
Today let's look at our 2nd reading from 2 Thessalonians. Why was this letter sent from Paul, Silas and Timothy to the Thessalonians? It's been suggested that it’s “a cover version” of the letter known as 1 Thessalonians. It is a much harsher version than the first letter.
The authors want the Thessalonians not to be alarmed by the satanic foe so they are told to hold fast what Paul taught them. The last two verses of our reading offer a blessing for this. But the letter beyond our reading talks about those who are lazy or idle; those taking an advantage of others as the Christians were very generous with giving out food.
Scholars conclude that this letter conveys a harsher tone because of two concerns: violent persecution of Christians because of their faith and an alarming misinterpretation of doctrine that threatens to undermine their faith.
They believe that Christ is coming soon but not immediate. In the meantime they are encouraged to not waste time on “idle anticipation”. They should view the waiting period as a time to be used productively for Christian growth and mission, as a time for ‘doing right’”. (Powell, Mark A, Introducing the New Testament, p. 411)
Let’s listen to a portion of the today’s reading from The Message.
“Meanwhile, we’ve got our hands full continually thanking God for you our good friends—so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God’s original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ.
So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.” ( The Message, 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-1)
St. Peter’s -by-the Sea Episcopal Church is being tested too. We have no priest to guide us but we have a church full of faithful people. We are being invited to service. It may be for reading a lesson on Sunday. Maybe it is helping by cleaning/ vacuuming the Church and See House. Could it be helping with the computer for Zoom one Sunday a month? Is it copying and folding bulletins? Is it signing up for Coffee Hour to make sure snacks are out, coffee made and cleanup is done. Could you volunteer to be on the Vestry? Are you able to shovel snow on front sidewalk and sidewalk/stairs to church and See House? How about reading a reflection or writing your own for a Sunday service? Could it be finding out what is the Altar
Guild and could you assist? Is there an organization you’d like to represent St Peters on? Can you play piano for a Taize Service? Do you know of someone who like to play a couple of times a month in our church service? How about being the contact for the Christmas Eve Music Prelude?
We are being called or invited to participate in the mission of the church. What are you being invited to do? When you see a signup sheet say a prayer. You may be lead to put your name down one time only. If another person invites you to be apart of an event, a committee, say a prayer. See where you are lead. Yes, folks travel all year round and sometimes are gone for awhile. We rejoice when you come back and your participation as you are able.
Let us pray: May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! The incredible grace of our Master Jesus Christ, be with all of you! Amen.