Pastoral Visit, Virginia
Richard Norris Brooke, 1881

My dear friends,

The season of Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, fostering both joyful expectation and steadfast perseverance. In 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, the Apostle Paul utilizes "skillful means" (upaya) to inspire the Thessalonian community to grow in love and holiness as they await the Lord.

Paul begins by expressing his profound gratitude for the Thessalonians, framing their faithfulness as a source of joy before God. This approach not only strengthens their communal identity but also aligns their perseverance with divine favor. Such affirmation acts as a mirror, reflecting their own efforts in a way that motivates continued growth.

Paul's longing to see the Thessalonians highlights his personal investment in their spiritual well-being. His acknowledgment of their ongoing journey, of "restoring whatever is lacking", provides a compassionate reminder that faith is a dynamic process. This corresponds to the Buddhist paramita ("perfect virtue") of virya ("joyful effort"), encouraging believers to embrace perseverance without discouragement.

By invoking divine guidance, Paul underscores that their reunion depends on God’s will. This recognition of dependence on divine timing cultivates humility and trust. It also encourages the Thessalonians to remain patient, reinforcing the importance of steadfastness as they await fulfillment of their collective hope.

Here, Paul prays for an increase in love—a boundless love that transcends individual relationships and extends to all. This vision of universal compassion reflects the transformative potential of love as both the root and fruit of spiritual maturity. Paul’s encouragement mirrors the Bodhisattva path, which seeks to cultivate compassion for all beings.

Paul concludes with a prayer for holiness, envisioning the community as blameless before God. This eschatological focus aligns their present efforts with a future hope, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. The call to holiness, strengthened by God’s grace, empowers them to live with integrity as they anticipate Christ’s return.

As we reflect on this passage for the first Sunday of Advent, Paul’s words inspire us to embrace both joyful perseverance and the transformative power of love. By practicing skillful means in our encouragement of one another, we prepare not only for the coming of Christ but also for the deepening of our spiritual journeys.