1 Thess 2:1-8 / Matthew 23:23-26
What usually calls for attention are the big problems of life.
By big problems, it is often the usual list of war and hostility, injustice and poverty, and all those issues that make it to the headlines.
Yes, those are big problems, big issues, and they would also call for big-scale solutions.
But that does not mean small problems are not problems at all. Because small problems can also manifest into big problems.
By the same token, little acts of love and care can go a long way and remain in people’s hearts for a long time.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul used the image a mother feeding and looking after her own children to express his devotion and protection over the Thessalonians.
That image is simple and humble but it also expressed the love and care of God for His people.
In the gospel, Jesus also pointed out essentials of life, like justice, mercy and good faith.
Those are not big and spectacular acts of faith, but they point to essentials of life and love.
It is a reminder that we are not called to do great things, but to do little things with great love.
When the little essential things of life are looked into with love, the big problems and issues of life will be resolved.