Apostolic Goals II ~ Holiness: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, especially vss. 12, 13: "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love...so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before Our God and Father...." In yesterday's reading, the Apostle Paul revealed how it is possible to stand fast in the life in Christ. Today he outlines how that virtue relates to holiness, for, in today's reading, he points to a natural spiritual movement - from faith, to love, to holiness. Faith and love provide the power to stand fast. In turn these lead to another goal of the Apostles for us - one for which the Lord Himself prays - our sanctity (Jn. 17:17).
Both St. John the Theologian and the Apostle Peter understand that holiness is the standard by which it is possible to judge the authenticity of one's faith (see 1 Jn. 2:6; 1 P. 1:15). Also, the Apostle James understands the necessity of holiness as the basis for a good defense before the judgment seat of the Lord (Jas. 1:12), and St. Paul does as well, as the quote above reveals. In the Epistle reading for today, the Apostle carefully traces the progress of the Faithful who grow from faith to love into holiness. Let us learn from him to walk this path.
St. Paul tells the Thessalonians of the joy he has because of their faith (1 Thess. 3:9,10). Earlier, he admitted his concern that perhaps they had slipped from faith altogether (1 Thess. 3:5). He knew well their pagan past and how easy it would have been to revert. But no! They were standing fast, and so, he rejoices (1 Thess. 3:6,8). Then, as he speaks of their faith, he reveals how he longs to visit them again to "perfect what is lacking in your faith" (1 Thess. 3:10). He knew what every growing Christian recognizes - faith needs not only planting but also nurturing, and may be damaged by succumbing to the anti-Christian world surrounding the Faithful.
To prevent spiritual death, there must be forward movement in faith. Of course, we too live in a culture that even now is wallowing in paganism. Hedonism, secularism, and humanism abound, and these permeate the media with abounding invitations to reject faith in God.
Therefore, take careful notice how the Apostle prays for the Thessalonians even as he speaks of their need to continue growing in faith: may the Lord make them to "increase and abound in love to one another and to all" (vs. 12). First, consider "faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 1:3)specifically: one may have faith in all sorts of things in this life - gods, projects, and people; but to trust in the Lord Jesus is a very specific faith, an exact commitment. Simply put, faith in our Lord, when fully grown and mature, produces love for others - in the Church and in the world, even love for those who deny the Faith and hate us. For this reason, the Apostle told the disciples in Galatia, "...as we have opportunity, let us do good to all" (Gal. 6:10).
Either care, respect, kindness, patience, and consideration for the needs of others manifest themselves in the Faithful or profession of Christ is totally bogus. How shall we say it? Faith loves! Specifically faith in the Lord Jesus loves. Furthermore, in Christ, love leads to holiness.
Finally, St. Paul says, "may the Lord make you increase...in love...so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness" (1 Thess. 3:12,13). Faith and love are gifts from God, as is holiness. Still, each of these virtues requires us to cooperate actively with God if we hope to grow in them toward perfection. God's grace and our efforts must be coupled. St. Paul prayed that God would give His gifts of faith, love, and holiness to the brethren in Thessalonika; and the Apostle is praying for us even now, directly, as he stands before the Throne of the Giver of grace. Beloved of the Lord, let us labor at all these virtues. Let us trust God and "Owe no one anything except to love one another..." (Rom. 13:8), so that genuine holiness may flourish in our lives.
Teach us to love, O Lord, even as Thou dost love us in purity and in holiness.