The things that are essential for the wellbeing of a faith-filled community are patience and encouragement, that flow out of the fountain of God. We can draw anything and everything from this source alone, so we need to know what all our necessities are and where to turn to. Too much insistence upon the individual’s point of view may not help us build a community of faith; hence we need a common point of view. Paul brings before us how patience and encouragement were abundantly present in the life of Jesus, and the importance of sharing and imitating His point of view: “And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus” (Rom 15:5). May God grant us with a heart full of patience and encouragement so that we may lead a peaceful life.

Abba, thank You so much for being our source of patient and encouragement. Let Your Spirit enable us to share Your Son’s point of view. In Jesus’ Most Loving Name, Amen.