Universal Utterings

for August 28, 2025

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08-28-2025 1 Thessalonians 3 v0913 Be Blameless in Holiness

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 23 Verses 23 thru 26

9 What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you, for all the joy we feel on your account before our God? 10 Night and day we pray beyond measure to see you in person and to remedy the deficiencies of your faith. 11 Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, 13 so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. [Amen.]

In 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, the Apostle Paul expresses his profound relief and joy at the faith and perseverance of the Thessalonian Christians amidst their struggles. Having sent Timothy to check on them, Paul rejoices at the news of their steadfastness, which bolsters his own spirit in the face of trials. He emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement in the faith, urging the believers to grow in love and holiness as they await the return of Jesus Christ. Paul's heartfelt prayer for the Thessalonians underscores the central theme of Christian community — steadfast love and support during challenges, ultimately leading to a strengthened faith.

Today, we also celebrate the feast day of St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Born in 354 AD in North Africa, Augustine’s early life was marked by a search for meaning through various philosophies and lifestyles, including Manichaeism. His dramatic conversion, influenced by the prayers of his mother, St. Monica, and the sermons of St. Ambrose, catalyzed his transformation into a devoted Christian. Augustine became the Bishop of Hippo and produced foundational theological works, including "Confessions" and "The City of God," which explored themes of grace, free will, and the nature of God.

On this feast day, let us reflect on Augustine's journey from a life of waywardness to one of profound faith and wisdom, reminding us that no matter the struggles we face, such as those experienced by the Thessalonians, God's grace can lead us towards truth and fulfillment. May we strive to emulate Augustine’s commitment to a life deeply rooted in love and a genuine relationship with God. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

08-28-2025 1 Thessalonians 3 v0913

**Be Blameless in Holiness**

In distant lands where trials rise,

The faithful stood with hopeful eyes,

Timothy sent to bring the word,

Of love's embrace, their faith assured.

In joyful news, Paul’s heart would soar,

Their steadfast faith he'd so adore,

Through tribulations, they found strength,

In love, they walked a holy length.

He prayed for them, a fervent plea,

That love would grow, like trees set free,

In holiness, they’d find their grace,

Prepared to stand before God’s face.

Let kindness flow, their hearts entwined,

In every struggle, love aligned,

For Christ’s return, they’d hold so dear,

A promise bright, dispelling fear.

As we reflect on journeys grand,

Of St. Augustine, whose faith would stand,

In shared support, let’s pave the way,

With steadfast hearts, come what may. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 28, 2025 @ 04:34 AM EST

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