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Friday, May 29, 2009, Pentecost Novena - Day 8
Acts 25:13-21, Psalm 103, John 21:15-19
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/052909.shtml
ON TRIAL FOR THE GOSPEL
"I issued orders that he be kept in custody until I could send him to the
emperor." —Acts 25:21
Paul's ongoing imprisonment featured a mockery of justice. Accusers
charged him with nonsensical "crimes." His case consisted of interminable
delays as he was handed from one authority to another. It seemed like Paul
was "for nothing, uselessly," spending his strength (Is 49:4). Yet from an
evangelistic standpoint, the aimless circumstances were not useless or
aimless at all. As persecutions and mismanagement increase, so did Paul's
opportunities to spread the gospel, witness to Jesus, and evangelize. Paul
wasn't frustrated or worn down, partly because the Holy Spirit mercifully
gave Paul advance notice as he traveled "from city to city that chains and
hardship" awaited him (Acts 20:23).
Paul could have interpreted the Spirit's warning as one of gloom, and
minimized his sufferings. Alternatively, Paul could have prepared his soul
for the upcoming trials. Paul decided to give evidence by his behavior of
his love for Jesus (Jn 21:15) by evangelizing those insulated from hearing
the gospel, such as Agrippa, Festus, and the Emperor. He realized that
without his testimony as a prisoner, these people might never hear the
gospel.
Paul heeded the Spirit's warning. He purified himself (Acts 21:26). He
testified to some disciples: "I am prepared to die for the name of the
Lord Jesus" (see Acts 21:13). When Paul's trials arrived, he could testify
powerfully to the resurrection of Jesus.
How about you? What warnings has the Spirit given you during this
Pentecost Novena? Will you receive the Spirit even though hardships await
you? Will you be ready to tell those you meet about Jesus? Will you love
Him enough to feed His sheep? (Jn 21:17)
Prayer: Jesus, may all prisoners who read this receive the Spirit on
Pentecost and joyfully witness to You. Bless them with hope.
Promise: "His kingdom rules over all." —Ps 103:19
Praise: Samuel praises God for being sent to prison because it was there
he found Jesus, his Savior.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2009 through May 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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