Paul spent his life as an Apostle establishing Churches in many places. He was aware that it was not enough to establish these new communities of believers: their faith had to be further formed and deepened, for there could still be initial shortcomings in the faith of new converts. Thus he wrote letters to console and build up these new communities. At times he reminded them of the necessity of helping each other to grow in faith, as we shall hear next week when we come to the end of our reading of this First Letter to the Thessalonians. In today's extract from the Letter, let us see another, quite touching, aspect of Paul's apostolic life. He himself was consoled by his converts. They helped him to mature in his faith and to be more accepting and accessible in his love. His love for them was an overflowing love. Even if, at times, his communities drove him to the point of anger, they were a source of joyful hope for him.

As the Psalmist prayed that God would foster the work of His hands, so too Paul prayed fervently night and day. From his different letters we can see how prayer was an essential part of Paul's work, especially joyful prayer.