Acts 17:15, 22—18:1, Psalm 148, John 16:12-15
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TAKE THE HEAT
"When they heard about the raising of the dead, some sneered, while others
said, 'We must hear you on this topic some other time.' " —Acts 17:32
When Paul began to preach to the Athenians, "some sneered," a typical
reaction to Paul's preaching of the gospel. When Paul preached, the
response was "hot or cold," but not lukewarm (Rv 3:16). People either
accepted Jesus or sneered in rejection. However, other Athenians replied
to Paul's preaching with the comment: "We must hear you on this topic some
other time" (Acts 17:32). "Indeed, all Athenian citizens, as well as the
foreigners who live there, love nothing more than to tell about or listen
to something new" (Acts 17:21). This was a lukewarm reaction. The gospel
was not considered any more important than some talk-show trivia. This
lukewarm reaction was devastating to Paul. When he "left Athens and went
to Corinth" (Acts 18:1), he came "in weakness and fear, and with much
trepidation" (1 Cor 2:3).
Jesus is also upset by lukewarmness. In fact, His stomach becomes so upset
that He feels like throwing up (Rv 3:16). Jesus prefers a cold rejection
to lukewarm apathy.
Therefore, we must never lose our first love (Rv 2:4). "Our desire is that
each of you show the same zeal till the end" (Heb 6:11). "Do not grow
slack but be fervent in spirit; He Whom you serve is the Lord" (Rm 12:11).
"Keep firmly in mind the heights from which you have fallen. Repent, and
return to your former deeds" (Rv 2:5).
Prayer: Father, during this Easter season, heat me up so I might repent of
my sins.
Promise: He "will announce to you the things to come." —Jn 16:13
Praise: St. Bernardine was filled with a zeal for God that led him to a
total life of service. He worked with the sick and later preached in his
own and other lands.
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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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