Thursday
28th May 2020.
Read Acts 23:6-11, Psalm 16 and John 17:20-26.
“And when
the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in
pieces by them commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from
among them and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood
by him and said, ‘Take courage, for as you have testified about me at
Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.’ ” (Acts 23:10-11)
At the
beginning of Christianity, Israel was just a colony of Rome. Paul who once
fought Christianity became its great evangelist. Even Paul did not find it easy
but God was with him through his trials and tribulations. Once, God
miraculously freed Paul and Silas from prison, this time, God spoke to him in
captivity: “Take courage, you will bear witness at Rome.”
Paul went
to Rome as a prisoner but fast forward two thousand years, Rome has become the headquarters
of the Church. What does this teach us?
1. God
knows how to write straight on crooked lines. We do not know why God allows
certain things to happen, but God has a plan. What looks like your valley of
the shadow of death may eventually become your podium; your launchpad for
success.
2. Never
be afraid of defending your faith. The fact that the world (despite its hatred)
has not been able to destroy Christianity is a testimony; a miracle happening before
our very eyes; a proof that God is with His Church. No one can battle with the
Lord.
3. Always
allow God to do your fighting for you. Just as no one can fight God and
succeed, you cannot win unless God is on your side. Seek first God’s kingdom
and God will do the rest for you. Just as there was commotion between the
Pharisees and Sadducees, God can make your enemies fight themselves while you watch.
4. There
is power in unity. Jesus prayed in today’s Gospel passage “may they become
perfectly one so that the world may know that you have sent me…” (John 17:23) By
all means avoid division, fights, blackmail, hatred etc., in the body of
Christ. As St. Paul would say, it is better to be wronged and suffer injustice than
hold lawsuits against your fellow Christian. (1 Corinthians 6:7)
Let us
pray: Come Holy Spirit and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you.
Thursday of the 7th Week
of Easter.
Bible Study: Acts 23:6-11, Psalm 16 and
John 17:20-26.
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