Acting like the people of God

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary remind us of some of the practical ways in which Christians should live as they attempt to be disciples of Jesus. The psalmist sets a tone of praise of the power of God which is in control of the world even as the people look to God for just judgement. Saint Augustine is quoted that “God is not what you imagine or think you understand”. Friar Jude Winkler presents some additional characteristics of moral Christian living from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. The qualities of fraternal charity, living a tranquil life, minding your own business and working to support your life are added to avoiding sexual immorality from earlier in the letter. Friar Jude notes that some who, like Paul, expected an imminent end of the world with the return of Jesus had reverted to depending on others for their support. This is addressed by Paul in the second letter to the Thessalonians with the statement that anyone unwilling to work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Gospel from Matthew is one of the last judgement parables which reinforces the concept that we cannot sit back, presume that God will control our action and expect that the talents we have as gifts from the Creator will somehow exercise themselves. Commentary on this parable exhorts us to see that no one can stand still for long in the Christian life. Failure to act as the people of Thessalonica demonstrated to their neighbours will push us outside of the community of active Christians and our talents will surely be wasted to the dismay of the Master.