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Year A: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Second Reading: Thessalonians 2: 7-9,13 St Paul sometimes has a turn of phrase that sounds rather close to complaining - and today, we have an example - reminding how he and his colleagues used to “work their fingers to the bone” rather than be a burden on the community! Leaving aside any negative interpretation, we hear of someone who is as dedicated to the community as a mother is to her child. it is this dedication which inspires them to work so hard on their behalf. Their desire not to burden the community is also, in a way, proof of their genuine ministry. In our day, we hear of tele-evangelists - and others - who look to their communities for financial support. Where this is reasonable - provision of their basic needs - this is within Jesus’ instruction that the labourer is worthy of their keep. The “labourer” is then free from the need to undertake an additional paid employment to support their work of preaching to the community and fulfilling their pastoral needs. However, we are aware that others capitalise on the generosity of their flock - and suggest that the more they give, the easier it will be to get to heaven. This can leave the community leader far wealthier than members of their community - and leads inevitably to division and distrust. For the leader there is the risk of temptation to serve money rather than God - for the community, there can be resentment. A greater cause for joy for an evangelist is that the community receives the Good News for what it is - not something made up by human minds and skilfully marketed - but as a message inspired by God. The Thessalonians had received the message in this way - and, because they had, they were benefiting from it as a living power in their lives. This is a greater reward for St Paul - this fruit will endure long after purses and other material goods have perished. What does it mean for me?
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