“RISEN WITH CHRIST”
Easter Reflections
Monday, 22nd May 2017.
Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16: 11-15;
Ps 149: 1-6, 9;
Jn 15:26 - 16:4.
The Church founded by Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit from the moment of Pentecost. Whenever the Word of God was preached the Holy Spirit caused the conversion of heart. Lydia heard Paul and other disciples preaching the gospel of Jesus. She opened her heart to the Lord. It means she first opened her ears to listen to Jesus, to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Her wholehearted readiness to welcome the message of Jesus Christ not only converted her, but also converted her entire household.
As the disciples listened to Jesus tell them they would be expelled from the synagogues and even killed, it went in one ear and out the other. It may have disturbed them a bit, but they most likely moved on rather quickly not worrying too much about it. And without doubt when the disciples were persecuted by the scribes and Pharisees, they did remember these words of Jesus. The people who were supposed to point them to God, were wreaking havoc in their lives. They would have been tempted to despair and lose their faith. But Jesus anticipated this heavy trial and, for that reason, warned them that it would come.
But what’s interesting is what Jesus did not say. He did not tell them they should fight back, start a riot, form a revolution, etc. Rather, we see Jesus telling them that the Holy Spirit will take care of all things, will lead them and will enable them to testify to Jesus. Being a Christian means persecution. We see this persecution in our world today through various terrorist attacks upon Christians. It’s even found within the Church itself when we see fighting, anger, disagreement and judgment.
The Holy Spirit is called the ‘Helper’, to comfort the believers, especially in time of need and suffering. He is also the ‘Spirit of Truth’, who shows us the truth - that is Jesus who said ‘I am the Truth, the Way and the Life.’ (Jn 14:6). The Holy Spirit plays a significant role right now in our world. That role is to strengthen us in our witness to Christ and to ignore any way the evil one would attack. So if you feel the pressure of persecution in any way, realize that Jesus spoke these words not only for His first disciples, but also for you. Allow persecution to become an opportunity for hope and trust in the Lord through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He will never leave your side if you trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, when I feel the weight of the world or persecution, give me peace of mind and heart. Help strengthen me by the Holy Spirit that I may give joyful witness to You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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