The Holy Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphtonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Luke 10:22-24
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
When we write letters or emails to family and friends today, our greeting tends to be rather short, some would say even terse. A simple word or a short phrase: Hi!; How are you?; Hope you are well, etc. And then we get on with the message. St. Paul is known for lengthier greetings and, as he opens his epistle to the new Christian community in Thessalonica, he delivers. He commends the Thessalonians for their “labour of love.” Sometimes this phrase is translated as “toil of love.” What does he mean by that?
Cars! Yes, cars! Some people love their cars. Whether new or old, the care they have for them is incredible. They tend to toil hard to ensure that it is clean and sparkling. Any repairs that are needed are done with the best of parts. They spare no expense. There is a lot of labour involved to make this happen. (I am not one of those people – I tend to be more utilitarian regarding the use and care of my car).
In somewhat the same way, St. Paul is commending them in their care and attention to detail for each other. There is obviously much joy among them, and St. Paul recognizes that this is a result of these new Christians really depending on the Holy Spirit to enliven them and direct their actions towards each other, and eventually to the world.
This reading today gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves. Do we care for each other with such attention to detail? Do we toil over each other, do we lavish love over each other? Do we seek out the greatest good for each other? Truly, if we did, then the joy of heaven given by the Spirit, would be among us!