St. Paul wrote a second letter to the church in Thessalonica because of speculation in that city about the end of the world. He said, “With regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ not to be alarmed … to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand. Let no one deceive you in any way.” During difficult and trying times there is a temptation to imagine God will intervene in a dramatic way. The Apostle sees that as futile, as a distraction from the responsibility of Christian discipleship. Rather, one should “hold fast” to the faith and live present tense reality. Our job is to live each day with courage and integrity and leave the future in the hands of God.
