Twenty-First Wednesday of Ordinary Time

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory. 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.

We all have influence over other people in great and small ways. Paul recognized this and put his every word and work into making a good impression on those he served. He didn’t do this for selfish reasons of self-glorification, but rather for the glory of God and the good of others. He wanted to set a good example of conduct for those he served. He encouraged his spiritual children to become better people worthy of God and His Kingdom. He wanted them to grow in faith, hope, and charity and give their lives over to the Good News so that God could be made manifest in the world through them.

How do we exhort and encourage others on their own spiritual journey? What do we do to make a good impression on others so they might know we are Christians by our love? How do we spread the Word of God to the world around us?

O Lord, let us be like fathers and mothers to those who are in need of spiritual guidance.

Amen.