There are various moments in the Acts of the Apostles where the disciples of the Lord are threatened with violence, persecution, and expulsion (not only from synagogues, but whole cities). Instead of hanging their heads and walking away with shame, they universally respond with joy – because they know that what they are doing (and what is being done in them and through them) is bigger than everything. Surely, they recalled the joy with which Jesus responded to everything that happened during His public ministry and they were inspired by His response. Joy is the calm assurance that God is in control of all the details of our lives and the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right. We do well to pray for the joy which the Apostles and the other early disciples of the Way seem to have known so well.
Sometimes we say, “It’s impossible.” But Jesus says in Luke 18,27, “Things that are impossible for humans are possible for God.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m too tired.” But Jesus says in Matthew 11,28 “Come to me all you who labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest.”
Sometimes we say, “Nobody really loves me.” But in John 3,16 we read that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.
Sometimes we say, “I can’t go on.” But Jesus told St. Paul, “My grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12,9)
Sometimes we say, “I can’t do it.” But St. Paul wrote in Philippians 4,13, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
Sometimes we say, “I can’t manage.” But Paul wrote in Philippians 4,19, “God will fulfill all your needs in Christ Jesus as lavishly as only God can.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m afraid.” But in 2 Timothy 1,7 we read, “God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love and self-control.”
Sometimes we say, “I feel all alone.” But in Hebrews 13,5 God says, “I will never fail or desert you.”
During this experience of a global pandemic, we might say, “How in the world can something good come out of this?” In John 14,1 Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Continue to trust in me.”
Let us pray.
Loving God,
your Son Jesus Christ is to us
the Way that leads to you and to one another,
the Truth that is the good news of love and hope,
and the Life which He sacrificed to give us life.
Help us to show the way to Him,
to speak the truth that is encouraging and credible,
and to give life by sharing His joy and peace.
Through the same Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you forever and ever. Amen.
