May the Lord give you peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 6th May 2021.
We reflect from Acts 15:7-21 and the Gospel John 15:9-11.
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?” says Marcus Aurelius.
A big cat saw a little cat chasing its tail and asked, “Why are you chasing your tail?” The kitten told the mother that she attended a webinar on cat philosophy recently and learnt that the best thing for a cat is happiness and the happiness is in my tail; So, when I catch it, I shall be happy. Then the big cat shared its wisdom saying that more you chase after your tail, it keeps running away from you. Be smart doing things then it comes after you in whatever you do.
The first reading narrates the speech of Peter, a statement of James and an encyclical letter in empathizing with the non-Jews.
There is so much to learn from the attitudes of the Apostles in Jerusalem who welcomed Paul and Barnabas, listened to them, empathized with them, handled the issues presented to them with much respect and sensitivity as if they were walking in the shoes of the non-Jews. Accommodating everyone and listening to all the sides opens avenues of acceptance and love. To abide in love of Jesus,
Joy comes by listening to the Holy Spirit and more practically, by listening to the Word of God.
In our interpersonal relationships, listening from the perspective of the other person brings joy and happiness. The more we impose our ideas on others, less we connect and be insensitive to the others.
“My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (Jn. 15:9). Jesus is our joy when we recognise His presence in others.
May we learn to listen to the Lord by lending our ears to others in pain and peril. Have a peaceful day. God bless you.