Wednesday, May 16, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - WEDNESDAY, 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
St. Simon Stock, Confessor
Acts 20:28-38/ Psalm 67:29-30,33-6/John 17:11b-19
LEAVE A GOOD LEGACY BEHIND
Beloved, St. Paul in our today's first reading, continues with his farewell discourse to the elders of the Christian community of Ephesus. He told them to be on their guard against "fierce wolves" (people who might teach them something contrary or pose a threat to their faith or distort the truth about the Christian message) in his absence. He talked about how he lived among them. That, he didn't ask any of them for money or clothes (he wasn't a dependent or a liability. That, he worked hard and earned his living and still shared the fruits of his labour with others. He said there is more happiness in giving than in receiving ( Acts 20:35). This teaches us the need to work hard to be self-reliant/self-sustaining/ self-sufficient/self-supporting and also share with others the fruits of our labour.
St. Paul was also prepared to face the future, no matter what. When he said they would never see his face again, it saddened them greatly (Acts 20:38). When I am going on transfer or leaving a particular office or community, how would my coworkers or community members feel/respond/react? What will they remember me for? Which aspects of my life will they miss? What difference do my presence or absence make among the people I live and work with?
Friends, Jesus in our today's Gospel reading knew what would happen to his followers in his absence. He prayed that, God may keep us true to his name. That, we may not be lost. That, we may be consecrated to the truth. That, we may have joy. How consoling it is to have Jesus, St. Paul, the Saints, fellow Christians, other brothers and sisters; praying and interceding for us! As we want others to pray and intercede for us, so should we pray and intercede for others. Let us be reminded that wherever we are and in whatever we do, we are mere stewards. Our end shall come. We should learn to establish good, smooth and cordial relationships among the people we live and work with. We should continue to pray for one another. In a special way, let us pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters as they begin their spiritual journey/exercise of RAMADAN. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (0206854323/0240308878)