The readings highlight some very important gifts that we can and should ask from the Holy Spirit – the gift of love and compassion for others. The Israelites were, first of all, called by God Who addressed them via Moses, to avoid idolatry, to protect the vulnerable such as the widows and orphans, and to practise fairness in lending. In the Old Testament, these were eventually translated into the Ten Commandments, which basically boils down to loving the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind, and to love others as well. What better way to demonstrate this faith in action than as seen in the Thessalonians’ faithful response and in their role as witnesses to God’s work, while anticipating with joy, Christ’s return.

Looking at this, let us reflect on this question: how willing are we to receive the gift of love and compassion today? In this world of turmoil, how do we live out those gifts that the Holy Spirit showers upon us? Of course, love has, is and will always form the backbone of our faith. Together with love, let us then work hand-in-hand to live out our faith always, especially in kindness and generosity towards the marginalised of society.