Acts 17:15, 22—18:1
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14
John 16:12-15
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HOW MUCH CAN YOU BEAR?
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." —John 16:12
Several decades ago, I began my computer programming career. During my first month on the job, so much new information came my way that I left work each day with a headache from information overload. I learned much each day. However, my boss had a great deal more to teach me, and I couldn’t bear it yet. Likewise, schools separate students into twelve grades. High-school subjects are not taught to first-graders; they aren’t mentally ready for that yet.
Besides being mentally unable to bear information, people may not be emotionally ready for certain information. For example, Jesus had just told His apostles He would be leaving them. He could see they were grieving His departure (Jn 16:5-6) and realized that they couldn’t bear any further revelations (Jn 16:12).
Finally, we may not be ready spiritually to bear God’s revelation. If we live in sin, our spiritual hearing is blocked and our hearts too hardened to receive what Jesus wants to tell us (see e. g. Mk 4:15ff). Like the Corinthians, we may be immature Christians not yet committed to growing in discipleship. Though we should be able to bear solid teaching by now, the Lord has to feed us spiritual milk, for we are still infants in Christ living at the level of the flesh (1 Cor 3:1-3).
God insists upon repentance (Acts 17:30). Repent of all sin and of any stifling of the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19). Abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31) and in Holy Mass. Bear the Good News. Bear great fruit for Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, enlarge me so I can bear more for You (Acts 20:32; 2 Tm 2:20-22). "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:10).
Promise: "In Him we live and move and have our being." —Acts 17:28
Praise: Wearing a crucifix has opened the door for Bill to witness.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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