May the Lord give you peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 8th May 2021.
We meditate on Acts 16:1-10 and the Gospel from John 15:18-21.
The choice of loving someone or something need not trigger the spark of hatred towards the other.
Whenever we feel the hatred from the selfish hearts, we are constantly strengthened by the love of Jesus. Paying back with hatred is not the appropriate response as a believer of Jesus.
During this time of pandemic, we need to engage in activities that protect us and others to love our lives as humanity. Politically and spiritually, we may have issues towards our leaders and against even God when what we wished and prayed did not happen and people whom we know are swallowed by the black hole and the merciless eyes of Corona. We may not have the breakthrough yet, that does not mean we are losing the battle. No battle is fought by one person alone when the opponents are numerous.
Anxiety, fear, loss, pain, and grief all over, under, around and within us. When the vision of life is broader than the missions, we still feel the need for more to be accomplished.
In the first reading, we notice this ‘we’ness in missionary works of Paul, Timothy, and Luke. There is always a place or a person in our life and ministry, we not given enough attention and care. “God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.” (Acts. 16:10). Even today, God is calling us to be at the beck and call of those who are struggling in front of our eyes. We are the servants of Christ to clean the feet of the other and much more not getting favour from them but to serve God. For doing good without any selfish motives will attract hatred and condemnation. “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.” (Jn.15:18). If we have not been hated yet, then we can be sure that we have not begun doing good and uttering consoling words. Never be afraid of hate from a Church member or a colleague let us continue to remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Have a nice day. God bless you.