This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, but we will read from the lectionary of the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost for our Scripture Reflection series. This week, we reflect on the Second Chapter of Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians. This section of the letter explores the Christian understanding of the "Day of the Lord," or the Second Coming of Christ. The Christians in Thessalonica were filled with emotions regarding this topic: anxious and joyful to see Christ, filled with expectation yet confused regarding the signs of the time, and unsure of how they were supposed to live their daily lives. We will explore the role of "evil" in our world and God's promises to overcome such evil. Finally, we will reflect on the human experience of evil in our lives and how it shapes our relationship with Christ.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Second Letter to the Thessalonians. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (2 Thess 2:1-5, 13-17).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson this week from the Second Letter to the Thessalonians. Are there any words or phrases that capture your attention?
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below and reflect on the following question: how do the traditions of the church and the people of the past inform our understanding and behavior toward evil?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below and reflect on the following questions: Why was acknowledging the existence of evil important to the early Christians? Why would they have been obligated to rage against evil?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement that knowing God's support toward God's people empowers us for mission and ministry - do you have experiences of this empowerment in your life?
Read the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on what hope and challenge you hear in the author's statements. How do these connect with your life?
