Giving thanks to God

The readings in the daily liturgy are often a challenge to us reminding us of the efforts required to be faithful followers of Jesus. Today as we listen to the first reading from second Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12, we detect a change. St Paul, together with Silvanus and Timothy, are full of praise for the way the Thessalonians are living their faith. ''We feel we must be continually thanking God for you, brothers and sisters because your faith is growing so wonderfully and the love that you have for one another never stops increasing.'' We know we are on a journey and have a long way to go yet, but today let us take St Paul's words to heart and give thanks to God for all the gifts we continually receive from him. Paul tells us that it is God that has made us worthy of his call. On Sunday our chapel was full for the Spanish mass and today the chapel will be full again as people come to 07.30 mass. We know of all the wars and oppression and hate in the world, but today is the time to thank God for all the individuals, families and commuities who continue to respond to the love of God. Let us thank our Father for our faith in his Son. We are not perfect but we are on the right path because we are good people who know and love Jesus. ''The name of our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in you and you in him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ,'' (2 Thess 1:12)