Saturday, May 12, 2018
TODAY'S REELECTION- SATURDAY, 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
Saints Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras, martyrs
Acts 18:23-28/ Psalm 46:2-3,8-10/John 16:23b-28
ASK FOR THINGS IN JESUS' NAME
Beloved, Jesus mandated all his followers to preach the Good News to all creation(Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15). In our today's first reading, an Alexandrian Jew, by name, Apollos, came to Ephesus. He made good use of the knowledge he had of the Scriptures, to help others to grow in their faith. He had only experienced the Baptism of John and the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures. Apollos was docile and open- minded. Priscilla and Aquila helped to give him further instructions about the Christian life. We are therefore reminded to make efforts to share what we know with others and also be prepared or eager to learn from others, so that God may increase what we know. Let us remember to share our faith, not only sports or politics, with one another.
Friends, Jesus continues to give us words of hope, comfort and consolation. "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. (John 16:23). I see this as an open cheque that we should fill in, sign and cash. This implies that, if we use the name of Jesus and ask for anything from God, the father, we shall get. What is my heart's desire? What do I want God to do for me in Jesus' name? What about my brothers and sisters, including my enemies? What about the dead? Who else do I need to ask God to bless? We are to use the name of Jesus to get what we want. We have no power of our own. We should not deceive people. We should not use Jesus' name and ascribe the glory or fruitful outcome to ourselves. We should not misuse Jesus' name. Let us pray for the grace to share what we know or have and also learn from others. Let us faithfully, hopefully and lovingly ask for divine assistance in the name of Jesus, for our good and the good of others, as we begin Pentecost novena today. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206865323/0240308878)