We reflect on Acts 22:30, 23:6-11 and John 17:20-26.
Are we witnesses or contra-witnesses?
It is the birthday of St. Padre Pio. May we all be the witnesses of Jesus, the suffering servant of God.
With apostolic zeal, we can be a witness to the Lord even if the whole world is against us.
Spiritually genuine people are a nuisance to most people. Many do not like the ones who live a life in the spirit. Unless and until our life impacts the other, our choices need to go through deeper introspection. Zeal for the Lord is proof of our generosity to Him and humanity. “It is zeal for your house that has consumed me.” (Ps.69:9).
The Holy Spirit purifies all toxic elements within us and our institutions.
In the first reading, the Lord encourages Paul to continue witnessing for Him. “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. Just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, you must also bear witness in Rome.” (Acts.23:11).
As we need one another, so the Lord needs us for the good works to continue. Lack of appreciation, approval, applause or even finding fault and looking down on our efforts are not sufficient reasons to dry up our warmth, freedom and generosity to God and humanity. Who or what is that in our life pulling our enthusiasm to serve the Lord and humanity today?
Something will not go well in what we do. Someone may not like the best of our intentions. But be assured the Lord is impressed with those little things we do for our families, communities, and humanity at large. The Lord wants us to continue those little acts of love, kindness, generosity, and forgiveness.
The prayer of Jesus invites us to be united as believers. Unity is our strength and the only witness of the Spirit that attracts the world around us. We are the gifts of the Lord and so the Lord desires oneness, unity with prudence.
“I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me and that you loved them even as you loved me.” (Jn.17:23). The Lord wants us all to reach Heaven by our unity, witness, and love. May you have a good day. God bless you.