Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28) – November 16, 2025
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 –

Have you ever gotten so busy that life becomes chaotic? Are there times when you are so rushed that everything you carry into the house just lands on the closest horizontal surface? Do your shoes end up scattered everywhere and the mail gets so high that it falls on the floor? This is what happens when family members do not keep up with their responsibilities. 
The people in Thessalonica knew that Jesus was coming again, and they expected Him at any moment. This meant that some did not think the flesh mattered or that they needed to work. Paul wrote to remind them that each member has work to do for the benefit of the community. The fellowship of believers is like a family, brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul’s instruction went beyond the work of the church. He encouraged all Christians to be active participants in the world around them, working to provide for their own needs and for the needs of the community.
The widows, for instance, could not provide financial support but they could help teach and guide the young women. They had no money, but they had time and wisdom to share. Sadly, some of the widows were wasting their time being busybodies and gossiping rather than helping. They didn’t think they had a purpose, so did not spend their time doing things that would benefit the community. 
As part of the community of believers, we are all called to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel in words and deeds. Our work will never gain us salvation, but as Christians it is up to us to live as God has gifted us to live. Paul reminds us not to grow weary, but to live as God called us to live. As part of the family of Christ, God has given us everything we need to do His work in the Church and the world When everyone does their part, everything works according to God’s design, and He is glorified.

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28) – November 16, 2025
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 –

Have you ever gotten so busy that life becomes chaotic? Are there times when you are so rushed that everything you carry into the house just lands on the closest horizontal surface? Do your shoes end up scattered everywhere and the mail gets so high that it falls on the floor? This is what happens when family members do not keep up with their responsibilities. 
The people in Thessalonica knew that Jesus was coming again, and they expected Him at any moment. This meant that some did not think the flesh mattered or that they needed to work. Paul wrote to remind them that each member has work to do for the benefit of the community. The fellowship of believers is like a family, brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul’s instruction went beyond the work of the church. He encouraged all Christians to be active participants in the world around them, working to provide for their own needs and for the needs of the community.
The widows, for instance, could not provide financial support but they could help teach and guide the young women. They had no money, but they had time and wisdom to share. Sadly, some of the widows were wasting their time being busybodies and gossiping rather than helping. They didn’t think they had a purpose, so did not spend their time doing things that would benefit the community. 
As part of the community of believers, we are all called to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel in words and deeds. Our work will never gain us salvation, but as Christians it is up to us to live as God has gifted us to live. Paul reminds us not to grow weary, but to live as God called us to live. As part of the family of Christ, God has given us everything we need to do His work in the Church and the world When everyone does their part, everything works according to God’s design, and He is glorified.