“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonian 5:16).

Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedon.  In 50 A.D., St Paul laid the foundations of the Church.  Oppositions from the Jews drove him from the city after a 3-months stay.  Most of those who joined the Church at the time were not familiar with the teachings of Jesus.  Therefore, St. Paul had to write these people letters and give them instructions on how to be a true Christian.

St. Paul used an enormous amount of patience to mentor these new converts, pushing them to improve on morality and zealousness.  He also suggested some practical approaches to help them live: Be optimistic always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.  That is, to trust in God’s plan, to draw closer to the Heavenly Father and to always have a heart of thanksgiving.

When we do charitable work, and when we humbly receive the Holy Spirit, the inner peace and joy we feel will naturally intensify.