Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter (May 5, 2018): A surprising lesson in the Holy Spirit's role in persecution

Thứ Sáu, 04-05-2018 | 14:58:52

Today’s Readings:

Acts 16, 1-10
Ps 100:1B-2.3.5
John 15, 18-21
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050518.cfm

USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/18_05_05.mp3


A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
‘No slave is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”


Reflection for Saturday: A surprising lesson in the Holy Spirit’s role in persecution

When persecution or rejection comes from other Christians, it’s often because someone is not listening to the Holy Spirit.

Recently I reached out to another Catholic ministry because I recognized the potential for a fruitful collaboration. I actually do this quite often, because it is so very important for people who serve in ministries to act like we are all part of the same Body of Christ. When we work together, we accomplish more than we ever could apart. 

However, my efforts are usually met with silence. Last weekend it resulted in outright rejection. I had tried to give someone a brochure about Good News Ministries, but he refused to accept it. He wouldn’t even look at it. I mean, the polite thing would have been to smile, accept the brochure, put it aside, and throw it out after I left. 

Surprised by his reaction, I tried to explain my motives, fumbling with my words. It made no difference and the rest of the meeting was awkward and fruitless. Analyzing it afterwards, I realized that the Holy Spirit had not given me the right words to speak. This was my fault and I repented of it. I had neglected to seek God’s will about it. I had forgotten the importance of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and approval before taking action. I had assumed too much. I had assumed that of course God would want me to invite collaboration from this fellow.

The Lord made good come from my mistake by revealing to me how deeply it grieves him and even angers him when opportunities for collaboration are rejected. Sure, everyone who’s active in ministry is very busy. I’m one of them. I know “busy”! But that’s not a good excuse. It handicaps the Church and the mission of Christ when ministries ignore, neglect or reject opportunities to collaborate with other ministries. To collaborate does NOT mean merging ministries. It DOES mean discovering how we can accomplish something together that we could never do apart.

But it’s difficult to make these discoveries without the Holy Spirit, because on our own we are blinded to what God wants to make happen outside the box of our “normal” ministry.

So as we prepare for the celebration of Pentecost, let’s examine how much we are relying on the Holy Spirit daily, moment by moment, decision by decision, conversation by conversation. And remember, every interaction with family and friends is a ministry. We are called to be Christ-like and to bring Jesus into every situation.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Look to the past with gratitude.
Live the present with passion.
Move into the future with hope.
Find creative ways to proclaim the gospel of joy!
(Wisdom by Pope Francis)

© 2018 by Terry A. Modica

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