Have you ever longed for something good but it did not seem to enter into your life?

Today Paul encourages the early Christians at Thessalonica to keep longing for what is good. He praises their steadfast faith in God, especially in the midst of hardship and affliction. He exhorts them to maintain their resolve. This is extremely difficult, yet by preserving in faith, the name of Jesus Christ is glorified through their lives.

Monica was a woman with deep longings. She yearned for her son Augustine to give up his immoral lifestyle and become Christian. More than this, she lived with a husband who had a harsh temper and strongly disliked the Christian faith. Ultimately, her prayers to God did not go unheard. Augustine became a Christian, a bishop and a saint. What is less well known is that after thirty years of prayer, Monica's husband also became a Christian and Monica's daughter, Perpetua, became a nun.

Jesus reminds the Pharisees today to keep what is most important in life as the priority that guides our heart and actions. He invites us to stay focused on what is most precious. This will guide us to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Of all that I desire, what do I desire most deeply in life?