And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.
Lectors of the Old and New Testament readings, the responsorial psalm, and the Gospel -- during Mass or any liturgical ceremony -- should understand God earnestly desires to speak directly to his people. Their enunciation and pronunciation of each syllable, word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph should be crystal clear to everyone in the assembly. Nothing about the reader should come between God and his people. When the reading is done, they should not remember the reader's clothing or manner; they should say, "I heard God speak to me." Their dedication to performing their duty well should communicate like a most desirable contagion. If listeners remember the reader at all, they might say, "I wish I had that ability to disappear behind God's word."
Saint Paul, in this earliest letter to the Thessalonians, said something similar, "...you receive (the word of God) not as the word of men but as it truly is, the word of God."
Even in this early stage of his career, the Apostle knew that he, his colleagues and his rivals were merely vessels of clay. If their delivery is hampered by the missionary's sickness, disability, or personal shortcomings, the message must go through.
He counted on the Holy Spirit to arouse that desire to hear God's word wherever he went. Their eagerness would overlook his shortcomings. Saint Paul knew that the success of the Gospel was not his personal success. He was not a salesman who, tiring of selling one product, takes up another. He did not pay attention to the market to discover what people regard as currently fashionable. He did not attempt to set a trend.
Rather he let the Holy Spirit guide him from town to town, through virgin territory where every village and hamlet presented new crowds who had never heard the Gospel. In such a wide-open space only God could know which way he should go. He could not say, "It makes no difference since every where I turn is opportunity." That would be the pursuit of his own fancy, and not the will of God.
Earthen vessels go where they are carried, not where they choose to go. If he landed in jail or was shipwrecked on a distant island, the Apostle supposed the Lord had placed him there; and there he found people ready to hear.
The Apostle also knew that earthen vessels are not meant to survive the ages. One man's life and career is not important for the Word of God endures forever. He was grateful for the opportunities and the adventure to serve our Good God.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.