It is 23rd May 2020.
The readings are from Acts 18:23-28; and the Gospel from John 16:23-28.
It is the appropriate time to strengthen, support, supply, and encourage one another in the Church, community and in our countries.
Growth comes in a genuine complements and contributions.
Inappropriate and destructive criticism demolishes the vision of the world order.
We have enough and more critics around but not the motivators and those who encourage without looking for approval.
Exclusion and favoritism are the obstacles for a growing person, church and community.
We begin to reflect from the third missionary journey of Paul with his companions.
St. Paul was surrounded by a bunch of encouraging, optimistic and generous people who supported him to spread the Word of God.
As we are all going through this “Great Pause” during this pandemic, let us be generous to one another by being in touch with and spreading hope.
Let us move on and get over. It is not time to sit and ruminate about what we have lost but it the moment to grab the innumerable possibilities ahead.
Just Apollos who had the charism for evangelization, we all have something special gift to offer to the community.
Comparisons and criticism of one person’s style and worth with the other cannot shrink-wrap the imminent growth of individual and the community at large.
The responsorial Psalm sings, “God is king of all the earth.” (Ps.46:1).
The Gospel invites us to communicate with Jesus in order to connect with the Father.
“If you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (Jn. 16:23).
As we conclude the farewell discourse, Jesus encourages us to ask anything in His name to the Father.
Prayer is the support and spiritual contribution for the welfare of another in encouraging them to reach their dreams and destinations.
Nothing is hidden to the Father when we love Jesus. The Father-God loves us immensely. In every prayer we lift up, we need to raise the name of Jesus in order to obtain the access to the heart of God.
We need to leave all that hurts in the hands of God. It is time to move in through our prayers to support and strengthen others in need. May you have a good day. God bless you.