Second readings teach valuable lessons

November 30, 2003 -- First Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Richard Ver Bust

	Fr. Richard Ver Bust

With the start of a new church year, we begin a new cycle of readings.

Since these articles have covered each cycle in the Gospels and Old Testament readings, we begin a series on the second readings. They are taken from New Testament writings other than the Gospels and Acts.

These readings on the Sundays of the year take the community through various books in a sequential fashion. During special seasons, the readings are taken from different works according to specific themes.

Generally, the second readings do not have a connection to the other two. Thus they do not receive the same homily attention.

Yet they are important for they reflect the life of the early Christian community, their faith and their struggles. They teach valuable lessons and challenge us in our faith life today.

Our second reading for the First Sunday of Advent is taken from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul was involved in forming the Christian community there on his second missionary journey. (Acts 17:1-9) It created an almost violent disturbance among Jews in the city. As a result, he and Silas were forced to leave. He again visited the Thessalonians on his third journey.

The text of the letter suggests that he wrote this epistle shortly after leaving the city the first time. He wrote to them while he was in Corinth to answer their questions and concerns, especially about Jesus' return.

We are told that Gallio was the pro-consul in Achia. We know from other sources that Gallio assumed office in 51 or 52 A.D. So perhaps we can date this letter to then, although some would place it in 50 A.D. Either date makes it one of Paul's earliest letters.

Just preceding our verses, Paul writes about having sent Timothy to inquire about the community. He apparently brought back good news that the Christian life was flourishing in Thessalonica. Paul also indicated his strong feelings for this community. Even though Paul is encouraged, he tells them to stand firm in the faith.

Paul then begins an intercessory prayer in the form of a blessing with three requests. They are: that he may return, that the love of the Thessalonians will increase, and that there be further development in the Christian life there.

The first petition is addressed to God as Father. The second, addressed to Christ as Risen Lord, begins our reading. The third petition seeks the return of Jesus as Lord.

This "parousia" or coming is a technical term referring to the presence of the person. Our reading ends with Paul's exhorting the community. He speaks of his authority and presentation of authority and presentations of authentic teaching. He concludes by reminding them of how he brought them the good news.

(The late Fr. Ver Bust directed the master's program in theology at St. Norbert College, De Pere.)