The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings (Good News)
to the poor. (See: Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18) Image Courtesy: Archbishop Jose Gomez
Vigilance
Concerning the times and the seasons, Brothers and Sisters, you do not need to have anything
written to you. For you yourselves know very well that The Day of the Lord will come like a
thief in the night. When they (one) say, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction
will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman and there will be no escape!
You beloved are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; For you are all
children of light and children of the day; We are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us
not fall asleep as others do but let us keep awake and be sober, for those who sleep, sleep at
night and those who are drunk get drunk at night but since we belong to the day, let us be sober
and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has
destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died
for us, so that whether we are awake or sleep, we may live with Him. Therefore encourage one
another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
Church Order, Final Exhortation
We appeal to you Brothers and Sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge
of you in the Lord and admonish you: Esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
Be a peace among yourselves and we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the
fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil
but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give
thanks in all circumstances; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench
the Spirit. Do not despise the word of the Prophets but test everything; Hold fast to what is
good; Abstain from every form of evil.
Concluding Prayer & Benediction
May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely and may your spirit, soul and body be kept
sound and blameless at the Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful
and He will do this.
Beloved, pray for us! Greet all the Brothers and Sisters with a Holy kiss (embrace:
See: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14 was a greeting of
respect and affection) I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read
to all of them.
The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. –1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings and More, Visit: -USCCB
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