Good morning good people!
May the Risen Lord give you peace, and blessings. It is 17th May 2025.
We reflect on Acts 13:44–52 and John 14:7–14.
St. Teresa of Calcutta, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.”
During the 1940s in Nazi-occupied Poland, a young seminarian named Karol Wojtyła—later to become Pope St. John Paul II—studied theology underground, risking his life every day to become a priest. He worked in a quarry by day and prayed by night. People mocked him, some even betrayed him—but he persevered. One elderly woman once asked him, “Aren’t you afraid?” He replied, “Only if I forget that Christ is with me.”
The first reading illustrates the enormous response to the preaching of Saints Paul and Barnabas. The works of healing are increasing because of the Good News. As the response grew, so too did opposition and persecution. The Apostles accelerated their missionary work even in the face of threats and retaliation.
If we carry the light of Christ in our words and deeds, there will always be someone out there ready to listen. Let us not waste time arguing with those who oppose us; rather, let us invest our time and energy in proclaiming the Good News to those who are open to receive it.
“I have made you a light for the nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47)
The responsorial psalm proclaims: “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” (Psalm 97:3)
In the Gospel, we read of Jesus preparing to return to the Father. He clarifies to three of His Apostles—Thomas, Philip, and Jude—the oneness of the Father and the Son, a truth revealed through His works. Knowing must lead to loving, and loving must flow into doing.
Our search for God must lead us to Christ. The most powerful work we can do on behalf of Jesus is to accept the Gospel, live the Gospel, and bear witness to the Gospel. When we are united with the Lord, we are empowered to perform even greater works.
“Whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13–14)
However, invoking God’s name for selfish purposes is to demand that God act contrary to His own character and will. God’s name is not a magical formula. Our asking must always align with God’s will. He cannot grant anything that is contrary to His divine nature.
May God grant you peace.