Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. 

There may be times in our lives when we cannot support ourselves. We might lose our jobs, be burdened by debts, our suffer some other setback that leaves us dependent upon others. We should not be afraid to ask for and accept charity at those times. However, when we are able, we should strive to regain employment, to work ourselves out of debt, and keep ourselves healthy. We should never want to be satisfied with being dependent on anyone except for God. On the contrary, we, like Paul, should work day and night so we might not be a burden on others and to set ourselves up so when those around us need help, we can give them a lift out of their troubles and help them to regain their feet.

How can we become independent of others? What can we do to not be a burden? What can we do to help others who are in need?

O Lord, help us to work and be only dependent upon you.

Amen.