Stand firm and hold fast. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Legend tells us that St. Francis of Assisi was
hoeing in his garden one day when one of his fellow friars asked, “What
would you do if you knew Christ were coming back today?” Francis
answered, “I would keep right on hoeing.” Nothing special. No anxious
preparations or fretful trips to the confessional. He would live that
day like any other, ready for Christ.
This is what St. Paul tells the Thessalonians as well: don’t get
caught up in predictions about the Second Coming. Just “stand firm and
hold fast” to what you have believed (2 Thessalonians 2:15). This
two-part advice can help us too. Current events, speculation about the
end-time, or thoughts of our own last days can unsettle us. How should
we respond?
First, we stand firm, trying our best to live the life God has
given us and not worrying about the future. God’s kingdom is at hand,
whether we’re scrubbing pots or writing reports, driving carpools or
hauling trash. We stand firm by being faithful to what we’ve been called
to do, making the most of God’s presence in our daily activities.
Are you anxious about unresolved relationships? Worried that you
aren’t ready to meet Jesus? Each day offers the chance to draw closer to
him, to mend broken relationships, and to care for his people. If
you’re trying to do this each day, your fears will slowly dissolve.
You’ll grow in confidence that you’re living each day to its fullest.
You’ll be more peaceful.
Second, we hold fast. We know the Lord. We have been taught so much
about him. Not only that, but he has touched our lives in so many ways.
So we hold fast to that truth in the face of anxiety. God is our
everlasting, almighty, and faithful Father!
If you’re feeling “shaky,” pick a Scripture from the day’s Mass
readings, and keep it close by. Type it into your computer, or write it
on paper; and put it in your pocket so that you can go back to it during
the day when you start to feel anxious. Let it become part of your
solid foundation in the faith.
“Father, I believe you want me to walk in your peace. Help me to
stand firm in the life you’ve given me and hold fast to your truth!”
from wau.org
