Please read this passage before reading the homily.
In this letter to the Thessalonians, St Paul makes three points. God has arranged all kinds of good deeds and words for the Thessalonians. God will likewise protect them from bad people. God likewise is faithful and will direct their hearts to loving God and waiting patiently for the coming of Christ.
It is through the mercy of God that we have done many good works and said many good words. We have to see our works as good because if we do not see them as good, we will not glorify God for doing them.
There are in the world people who do not like us for whatever reason, the color of skin, for being poor, for our religion, or for having come to the United States. Oh, that God would free us from wicked and evil people.
Christ is coming, it is true. God is coming soon, according to God’s time, not according to our time. It is likewise certain that even now God is protecting us from wicked and evil people.
This year, 2022, will end, but God will never have an end. God always is and is always loving us and desiring us. God is always with us to protect us in this life. God is always faithful and strong. God always wants to save us and actually does come to save us. We need not fear any evil enemy.We should continue our good works and words. We should love those who do not love us. May the God of Jesus Christ, who is coming to us, protect us until the day of Christ’s coming.