I was particularly moved by the messages contained in our scripture readings for this past Monday’s Mass, August 26.  Our first reading and our Gospel presented almost polar opposite messages. In the Gospel, Jesus is rebuking the Pharisees and Scribes, saying to them, “Woe to you!” not one, not two, but three times!  There is nothing gentle about his words. On the other hand, we have a much different message from Saint Paul in our first reading.  He is basically saying to his listeners, in so many words, “You have come a long way—you are doing well!”  His exact words are, “We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure.”  (from 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5; 11-12.)  Recently, I was helping out at a high school retreat.  As with any retreat, people ask to speak with you—about pretty much anything. Some of what they bring to you is difficult for them to talk about.  I always find it good to conclude the conversation on a positive, reaffirming note, to accentuate the positive.  The song by the same name, “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” was written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen back in 1944, believe it or not.  Those words have stood the test of time and serve as a pretty good reminder of how we are meant to relate to one another.  It always amazes me how much difference it makes for someone when you look at them and say, “You’re doing great, man. Just trust God will move you forward.”  This is exactly what Saint Paul is acknowledging today to his people. He reminds them of all they had come through, compliments them, and assures them of his continued prayers for them. Can you and I be this for others?  As you read these words, perhaps accept them as an invitation to make a more conscious effort to bring this message to the people we will meet this week.  We may or may not say those specific words, “You’re doing great,” but we can certainly show it, to anyone, anywhere.  Ask a cashier or your server how their day is going.  Go out of your way to check in on someone you haven’t spoken with in a while, and so on. A lot of focus is given these days on the negative.  Let’s you and me accentuate the positive in each other.