ACTS 8:1-8, PS.66, JOHN 6:35-40
Persecution is the basic theme in today’s first reading. Severe persecution came against the early Church in Jerusalem. Persecution for Christians is not a probability; but a certainty. In the gospel Jesus says “I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of the one who sent me”. Therefore, Christianity is not about our will but the will of God. Christians must learn to discern and accept God’s will. The early fathers knew this, the saints accepted God’s will for their lives irrespective of comfort and pleasure and today they are celebrated in heaven. It follows therefore, that anyone who accepts the will of the Father will surely be persecuted; yet such a person shall gain eternal relevance. Matt. 5:10 says “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
LET US PRAY
Be present to your family, O Lord, we pray, and graciously ensure those you have endowed with the grace of faith an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son through Christ our Lord. Amen!
