22nd Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Tuesday 31st August 2021

The Psalmist encourages us to “wait for the Lord with courage”. Each day our world seems to plunge further into turmoil and suffering, and so the need for sincere and honest Christians to act with courage grows. We need the courage to stand for the values that we treasure. We need the courage to witness the truth.

In writing to the Thessalonians, Paul reflects on the uncertainty that marks our Christian life in the world. From the standpoint of faith, he can point to the very definite certainty at the heart of all human uncertainty: God has not destined us for wrath but salvation.

The uncertainty surrounding our human existence in this world is often covered by false courage and trumpeting “peace and security” based on human initiatives and machinations.

The certainty of faith exists because God has not destined us for wrath but salvation. Paul also expresses this certainty in the truth that we are children of the light. During the uncertainty and turmoil brought about by the virus COVID-19, we are called to let our light shine before others by helping those in need, especially the poor. We must bring the light of faith, hope and love into the world as we “comfort and upbuild one another”.

Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith that we may be a source of comfort and courage for all our brothers and sisters.