2 Thessalonians 2:1-5;13-17 - Sunday Scripture Reflection

As we gather in mid-November, we should be mindful that we are quickly coming to the end of the present church year, which comes to an end on November 23, 2025 (two weeks!). As the church year comes to its end, our Scripture lessons begin to reflect on what the end of our waiting for Christ's return might mean for our lives. With that in mind, we read and reflect on a bit of Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians, where we discover a vivid description of the struggles of the evils and challenges of earthly life and words of encouragement of how God is present in all of those challenges. However, Paul also cautions us to not simply passively sit by and wait for God to act on our behalf, but that as children of God, we must first know the power and presence of evil, and then be filled with hope and courage to lovingly act as God's representatives on earth, spreading compassion and grace. We will discuss and reflect how we understand this lesson and how we might participate in Paul's teaching.

For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):