If you don't work neither should you eat...

While I choose to stay focused on today's Gospel for my homily I must admit our second reading from 2nd Thessalonians more than caught my eye. We all have heard this before: "in fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat." When we hear this proclaimed from the ambo during Mass it sounds cut and dry. Unfortunately, at Mass we do not always have context. Here's my shot at providing some.

First we should be focused that the theme for all of today's readings are end times. We hear first from the prophet Malachi with a prophecy of the end times. And our Gospel from St Luke is the story of Jesus describing the destruction of the Temple. More end times.

So let's look next at the overall intent of Paul's 2nd letter to these Thessalonians. Of all of St. Paul's writings this one is considered his most apocalyptic. Paul knows that early Christian belief in the second coming needed correction. Paul was particularly concerned about the faithful losing hope with each passing day and over time there would be an overall breakdown in society. Some went so far as to preach that there was no more need of doing anything except look to the sky and wait. It was so severe that St. Paul knew that everything needed to continue, including the work of the community. As a rebuke he says those who refuse to work(because they are just sitting around waiting for the second coming) should not eat.

In addition to his admonition and strong words, Paul continued to be an example to the early Christians by continuing with his work, everyday.

I mention all of this for I find that many, without proper context, have used this passage to advocate the end of welfare, unemployment not to mention to be less than charitable to the poor and hungry. I doubt if this would be the example of Sts. Vincent de Paul, Francis, Blessed Fredrick Ozanam or Blessed Mother Theresa. Be careful to express certitude of a particular Scripture passage without context.

Indeed all who can work should work. But St. Paul never meant this passage to be smug against the poor, the unemployed or the hungry!