Friday, May 11, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - FRIDAY, 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
St. Ignatius of Laconi, Confessor
Acts 18:9-18/ Psalm 46:2-7/ John 16:20-23
SUFFERING FOR A WORTHWHILE COURSE
Beloved, the Lord encourages St. Paul to continue with his evangelising mission without fear. At Corinth, the Jews sought to make trouble for Paul. They wanted to influence Gallio, the new proconsul to support them, but Gallio was an impartial Roman. This is a big lesson for those of us mixing up things because of our position. Some of us mix up religion with politics or chieftaincy issues anyhow. We use civil authority to settle matters of religion any how. We should know who we are and which stand we should take, and when, in order not to be influenced by others negatively.
Friends, Jesus knew that after his ascension, his followers would be sad. He therefore told them that Christian suffering will lead to everlasting life/reward. Jesus used the image of the suffering of a woman in labour, to underscore the lesson of how worthwhile sadness or sorrow will turn to everlasting joy/happiness, which can never be taken away. Some of us might have lived a certain life( good/bad), leading to our present enjoyment or suffering. Things might not be permanent for us. Let us pray for ourselves, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten us to know which aspects of our lives we should continue with despite the present suffering. May God give courage, hope and patience to those suffering for the course of right. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206854323/0240308878)