Malachi 3:13-4:2a,5-6

What is the presupposition of those who have "spoken harsh words against me"? What should God be about according to them? What are the criteria by which they judge the justice of God? What does such a criteria tell about their expectations and their understanding of what life is about? How is this different from God? What are the two different understandings of God's justice? What difference does this make in life? Which one takes faith/trust in God versus faith/trust in the mechanisms of the world around us?

Then those who revered the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the LORD and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them. Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. What is the role of "Elijah"? Finally, this is the very end of the OT -- what does this suggest about what follows after?

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

As part of a congregation, we can easily fall into an atmosphere on entitlement. Often language of community is used to place an obligation upon another that might not even be expressed, but claimed as a "right," maybe in light of what we have done in the past. What does the Thessalonians passage say to such an attitude? Why is it important for those who can to "not be idle"? What is the relationship of the whole congregation to the "idle-atry"? Obviously, no one wants to understand our selves as "busy bodies, not doing any work"? How do we stay out of self deception? Why does the exhortation to not give up doing what is right come at the end of the passage? What happens when one feels one is working when one does not feel that others are playing their role? In this situation, what personal danger does one face? Why is it that we should do our work quietly?

Luke 21:5-19

Why does this passage presume that "you will be hated for Jesus' name"? How is that related to the persecution of which the text speaks? What would happen if one worried about one's defense? Finally, and maybe most importantly for the whole passage, why is it by endurance you will save your souls? Why does the Christian live require endurance?

Maybe to get some perspective to discuss these readings as a whole, I could add a little vignette from Mother Theresa in the book, Come Be My Light. She wrote to an Archbishop:

"I was sorry not to be able to be at the Mater Dei [College] for the meeting. About 60 Sisters were in retreat--so the had [a] chance to talk to Mother. It is so consoling to help others love God--since I can't do it myself.--What deep, humble gratitude I owe God for what treasures He has given me in my children . . . .

Three days ago we picked up two people eaten alive with worms. The agony of the Cross was on their faces.--How terrible poverty is, if unloved.--After we made them comfortable--you should have seen the change. The old man asked for a cigarette and how beautiful of God--in my bag there were two packets of [the] best cigarettes. A rich man gave them to me that morning in the street. God thought of this old man's longing.

Why do I write all these foolish things to you -- when you have so many other great things to be busy with?--Because it is the first article of the creed of our Poor."

Have a wonderful evening!