Being courageously smart and harmlessly assertive for Christ
It is 1st June 2017. We celebrate the memorial of St Justin, Martyr. The readings are from Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 and the Gospel from John 17:20-26. The first reading recounts the trial of St. Paul in front of the Jewish Supreme Court. St. Paul was smart and firm in standing for Christ even though many opposed him. St. Paul was courageously smart and harmlessly assertive for the Truth, he believed in. In preaching the Good News, the options are limitless and not space-bound. One must not confine to a certain people, culture, creed in preaching the Gospel in times of rejection and resistance. The messenger of the Good News must be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to have the willingness in moving forward to the places God wants to serve. As much as one continues to stay amidst the challenging situations, one is just fighting against God not those who are around. But when one is unjustly treated and silenced, he/she must not hesitate to be courageous and assertive for Christ. Let us move on for Christ spreading the Good News. “Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome.” (Acts.23:11). The responsorial Psalm intercedes, “Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you.” (Ps.15:1). The Gospel provides us with the prayer of Jesus. His prayer is inclusive, intimate, ambitious, and deeply desiring to be one like Him and the Father. Jesus presents us all with a loving and caring image of God and Himself, as our intercessor before God through this prayer for unity and oneness. The unity of minds begins when we stand for Jesus assertively and courageously with all people. Let us all promote the unity and oneness in our lives, Jesus longed for in his farewell prayer. Let us be the instruments of love and unity for Jesus on earth. May you be blessed.