November 9th Reflection - May God be with you - by Bill Lynch

2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 13–17

The Man of Lawlessness
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?

Chosen for Salvation
 But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

Reflection
The Thessalonians had been led to believe that the parousia or the day of the Lord had already started. Paul in this letter attempts to set them straight on this understanding. Paul contends that the day of the Lord won't happen until there is a rebellion and the revealing of the Man of Lawlessness. The day of the Lord will not happen until there is a rebellion or an end-time revolt against God. At this time the Man of Lawlessness will be revealed. This Man of Lawlessness will attempt to perceive himself as God.

However... we know, as Children of God, that God has chosen us and gifted us and called us to be his and to live in and through him. Through Jesus gracious act of salvation from sin, death and the devil and through Jesus resurrection, we can rest assured that, even in the end, God is with us. God is with us and reveals himself to us in the flesh of Jesus and in the spirit of the Holy Spirit. God reveals himself to us and loves us in all truth.

Yes, even when we face the uncertainties of end times, the uncertainty of death, the uncertainty of illness or any uncertainty we face in this life; we can rest assured, as God's chosen and saved, that God is with us. God comforts our uncertainties, our worries, our hearts with the knowledge and truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit... God is united in this action of salvation for all his children.

Yes, God is with us... through it all... God is with us.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, calm and comfort the hearts of those who worry. Calm the fears of those with illness, suffering or pain. Ease the burden of the poor and the needy. Use your powers through your chosen people to reach out in the love and truth of Jesus Christ, that we may show love to you and one another. Prepare us and strengthen all your people to understand how close you are and how close you have always been that we may realize your constant presence... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen