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| TONETTE AND FRIENDS August 28, 2023 |
Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters,
to progress even more,
and to aspire to live a tranquil life,
to mind your own affairs,
and to work with your own hands.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:10-11
The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise (Sir 3:28). Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. (Sir 3:17-18)
Jesus said : "When you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:10-11)
"You say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him who is seated on it.” (Mt 23:18-22)
The gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction (1 Thes 1:5). What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not (Sir 3:20).
God gives a home to the forsaken; He leads forth prisoners to prosperity (Ps 68:7). The Lord loves His people, and He adorns the lowly with victory. (Ps 149:4)
A bountiful rain You showered down, O God, upon Your inheritance; You restored the land when it languished; Your flock settled in it; in Your goodness, O God, You provided it for the needy (Ps 68:10-11). I give thanks to You O God our Father, calling to mind my work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 1:1-2)).