In Chapter 20 of Acts, Paul gives a speech as he is leaving the people of Miletus. He reminds them that he has never shirked his responsibility to them and has always proclaimed God's plan to them. Then, he tells them to watch over themselves and the whole flock, that they have been appointed by the Holy Spirit to oversee the church of God that was acquired by the blood of Christ.
He warns them that from among their own group "men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them." They must be vigilant.
We today, who have heard God's word proclaimed also must take to heart Paul's words. We have a responsibility to each other. We must be careful not to be misled by a twisted version of the truth--which we often encounter today.
If you have heard the Word of the Lord, you have a responsibility to carry it to others. How, you may ask, do I do that?
Maybe it is in your courage to acknowledge God where he is not normally mentioned, at work, or in your community or among your friends.
Maybe it is by your practice of faith that is outstanding in virtue. (God's grace makes that possible.)
Maybe you will bring the Word of God to your children, or in your relationship with your spouse.
Maybe you will study or join a religious order, or a lay order, and become knowledgeable about your faith.
However God leads you to carry His word to others, take this responsibility seriously and make it your life's vocation.
I welcome your comments about these reflections and God's work in your life.
God bless,
Janet
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
What was Paul doing?
In Acts Chapter 17, in a few places, such as verses 2 and 11, there is a reference to scripture.
Paul uses scripture in his discussions "expounding and demonstrating that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead", and that Jesus is the Messiah.
In Verse 11 we learn that the Jews of Beroea were willing to examine the scriptures daily. But what scriptures? Paul did not have the New Testament.
The Old Testament scriptures would have been available in Paul's time. He was pointing out to his listeners that the long-awaited Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures was Jesus.
Paul had one clear message: Follow Jesus. He is our Messiah. He suffered, died and was resurrected. Paul traveled all over with this message.
Now, when you think about it, his transformation is amazing! Others had to study scripture and be convinced, but Paul, who just a moment ago had been persecuting the church, understood deeply through his conversion the truth that Jesus was the Messiah.
How many of us who have known something for a lifetime could so suddenly change our perspective? Paul knew the scriptures before, but now he saw them differently.
What a beautiful, magnificent display of the power of God to transform a life!
That is possible in your life as well. Perhaps you are beginning to see your life through a different lens. Perhaps now, you see some sort of connection to God and you are exploring what that is. Pray to God and ask him to open your eyes.
The possibilities are endless!
Paul uses scripture in his discussions "expounding and demonstrating that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead", and that Jesus is the Messiah.
In Verse 11 we learn that the Jews of Beroea were willing to examine the scriptures daily. But what scriptures? Paul did not have the New Testament.
The Old Testament scriptures would have been available in Paul's time. He was pointing out to his listeners that the long-awaited Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures was Jesus.
Paul had one clear message: Follow Jesus. He is our Messiah. He suffered, died and was resurrected. Paul traveled all over with this message.
Now, when you think about it, his transformation is amazing! Others had to study scripture and be convinced, but Paul, who just a moment ago had been persecuting the church, understood deeply through his conversion the truth that Jesus was the Messiah.
How many of us who have known something for a lifetime could so suddenly change our perspective? Paul knew the scriptures before, but now he saw them differently.
What a beautiful, magnificent display of the power of God to transform a life!
That is possible in your life as well. Perhaps you are beginning to see your life through a different lens. Perhaps now, you see some sort of connection to God and you are exploring what that is. Pray to God and ask him to open your eyes.
The possibilities are endless!
Monday, June 30, 2008
St. Paul--a Man with a Mission
Pope Benedict XVI has announced a special Jubilee Year of St. Paul. What a blessing this will be! I expect there will be a lot of resources for us to read about this great saint, but I have decided to begin my journey in the Acts of the Apostles.
I have begun at the end of Chapter 7, where Paul is present at the martyrdom of Stephen, "consenting to his execution," as the beginning of Chapter 8 tells us.
As I read through these portions of Acts again, I am trying not to focus so much on the details, but on the spirit that moves the people. I am looking at their understanding of their mission, and it is quite clear:
"The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." (11:21)
"For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people." (11:26)
The formation of the early church becomes even clearer, in chapter 15, where they assemble for the Council of Jerusalem.
The Apostles, the presbyters they appointed to lead, and the Church, gathered together and made decisions; practices and teachings were clarified. No wonder the Catholic church takes seriously its responsibility to share the Good News.
Their mission--without a doubt--was to draw others to Christ.
That remains our mission as disciples of Christ, and His church, as well.
As we follow St. Paul this year, we should compare ourselves to him. How is the Spirit moving me? How determined am I to stay true to Christ? How important do I see the mission of drawing others to Christ?
These are good questions for us to reflect on.
As I continue my journey, I'll bring some of my thoughts to you here in this space. A recommended website to begin your journey is:
http://www.annopaolino.org/index.asp?lang=eng
Please add your comments here as well, to share with others.
God bless,
Janet
I have begun at the end of Chapter 7, where Paul is present at the martyrdom of Stephen, "consenting to his execution," as the beginning of Chapter 8 tells us.
As I read through these portions of Acts again, I am trying not to focus so much on the details, but on the spirit that moves the people. I am looking at their understanding of their mission, and it is quite clear:
"The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." (11:21)
"For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people." (11:26)
The formation of the early church becomes even clearer, in chapter 15, where they assemble for the Council of Jerusalem.
The Apostles, the presbyters they appointed to lead, and the Church, gathered together and made decisions; practices and teachings were clarified. No wonder the Catholic church takes seriously its responsibility to share the Good News.
Their mission--without a doubt--was to draw others to Christ.
That remains our mission as disciples of Christ, and His church, as well.
As we follow St. Paul this year, we should compare ourselves to him. How is the Spirit moving me? How determined am I to stay true to Christ? How important do I see the mission of drawing others to Christ?
These are good questions for us to reflect on.
As I continue my journey, I'll bring some of my thoughts to you here in this space. A recommended website to begin your journey is:
http://www.annopaolino.org/index.asp?lang=eng
Please add your comments here as well, to share with others.
God bless,
Janet
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