25 August 2020

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
From 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3, 14-17 (NRSV)

At the time St Paul was writing, the Day of Judgement was expected at any time – and there seem to have been people around who were fostering the fears – or the hopes – depending on how you look at it. As we look around our world today, we might also wonder if “the end is nigh”. We have pestilence – war – famine – wildfires – death – all of which could fill us with a sense of doom. It is at times like this that we could share Paul’s prayer – that we will find some comfort and strength for ourselves, but not just for ourselves but for those we share our lives with – or, even, those further afield.

• • How do people think about the Day of Judgement these days?
  • How do comfort and strength from God help us as individuals and as people living in troubled times?

Pray today for that comfort and strength – for yourself but also so that you can share it with others.