November 14, 2010: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

What is your attitude toward school and the work you need to do in order to be a good student?

You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. …we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. (2 Thessalonians 7-8, 11)

This letter of St. Paul to the people of Thessalonica may be difficult for people to hear if they have lost their jobs and are looking desperately for work. Of course that is not your concern as a student; you do have work. Your work is getting an education. This time of studying and learning will be helpful as you grow into adulthood. For example, as an adult you will have the knowledge you need to do a particular job and earn a living. So what might be the lesson for you in this Scripture passage?

Action:

Think about your attitude toward school and the work you need to do in order to be a good student. Are you lazy or disinterested? Do you put other activities ahead of homework, such as TV or computer games? Do you spend too much time talking with or texting your friends in the evening? Anything that keeps you from doing your very best as a learner might be “living in idleness.”