Encourage one another; build one another up

A thought for the day
 Tuesday, the 22nd week of Ordinary Time
 
Mass at noon: Tuesday  -  Friday
Saturday at 5:00 - Sunday at 9:00 and 11:15am
When the people gather for prayer, all are welcome.
 
Saint of the day - Teresa of Calcutta
 
Readings for today’s Mass

Several years ago, my family suffered the loss of two young nephews. It was a car accident. We've had other family losses as well, but it's the ones who die out of turn, in the prime of youth that are the most difficult. Difficult because of the sad loss of one so young; but also because the news comes from out of nowhere. They weren't sick and had no health issues. When the news comes, it hits hard. In today's first reading, Paul describes it like this: When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, i know students who have similar stories to share. 
These are the events that can cause some of us to rebel against God. We throw up our hands in despair and cry: "Why did this happen? Why did you let this happen?" But Paul goes on to remind us that, as followers of the light, we are children of the light. The light will save us from the darkness. The darkness can never consume the light. As long as we stand together in the light, we stand on solid ground. We have each other for support when we need it the most. Paul ends this reading with - Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
Today, if you see someone brought low by something unexpected, take some time to lift them up. Make sure they still stand in the light.

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