Saturday, May 5, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
St. Angelo, martyr / Blessed Edmund Rice, Religious founder
Acts 16:1-10 / Psalm 99:1-3,5/ John 15:18-21
BE A MISSIONARY
Beloved, in our today's first reading, we read about St. Paul's second missionary journey. This time around, he travelled with Luke, Timothy and Silas, not with Barnabas and John Mark again. He travelled from place to place to evangelise, but not for any personal gains. He was not a businessman or a tourist. He worked hard and had sleepless nights; all because he wanted to win souls for Christ. Our faith should be shared with others, not to be hoarded. St. Paul listened so much to the promptings and directives of the Holy Spirit as to where to go and where not to go. He obeyed "THE SPIRIT OF JESUS" (Acts 16:7).One may ask, why was St. Paul called to come over to Macedonia but was prevented from entering the province of Asia or Bithynia? Let us just conclude that God is in control. He knows best. We should follow God's will rather than what we imagine.
Friends, Jesus made us to understand that, he suffered. He was opposed, hated and persecuted, and that, we, his followers should be psychologically prepared to also suffer the same fate or treated similarly, if we continue with all the good things that he was doing (his love, truth, justice, exemplary lifestyle and all the virtues we can think of), as opposed to the hatred, lies, pride, injustice and all the vices we find in the world. This means, as long as people don't want to love, serve, tell the truth or do the right thing, they will definitely oppose the righteous person. Should I follow Jesus and also be hated, opposed and persecuted or to follow the world or the wrong people to continue doing the wrong things? For sure, we all have our own role models we wish to imitate their lifestyle. There are also other people who are looking up to us whether we like it or not. Whatever we do or say, others will oppose us or support us. Let us pray for the grace to continue with our missionary zeal and be prepared for any response or reaction. We also pray for all those who are suffering because of their faith. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206854323 / 0240308878)