THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday in the fifth week of Easter, 2021

Acts 14:19-28

Ps 145

John 14:27-31

The gift of peace

Dear friends in Christ, today’s readings invite us to look at how the first missionaries worked tirelessly at planting the seeds of the faith and relied on God in giving leaders to the communities while they also subjected themselves to the Apostles in giving an account of their mission.

In the Gospel (John 14:27-31) Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…” Peace is the most elusive thing in today’s world and that is what Jesus offers us. We must continue to pray that we realise the value of true peace and work for it. The gospel truth brings peace and that is the reason for all missionary endeavours.

Our first reading today (Acts 14:19-28) describes the end of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. A journey that took them from Antioch to Salamis (Cyprus), to Perga-Pamphylia-Iconium-Lystra and Derbe. At Lystra, Paul was stoned and dragged out of town, after he was perceived dead. But he got up again and continued his mission. Making a return to Antioch they passed through the same towns and cities where they had planted Christianity, ‘to put new hearts into the disciples(converts) encouraging them to persevere in the faith.’ Their missionary efforts had led to the conversion of many, not without its challenges. Their admonition to these new communities is still very relevant to us today, ‘we all have to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God.’ Suffering is inevitable for those who are the true followers of the way. The followers of Christ cannot shy away from the tribulation that precedes the appearance of the reign of God. For as long as they seek to establish the kingdom of God on earth, they will meet difficulties on their way.

Paul and Barnabas also appointed leaders for these new communities, they laid hands on them to pass on the authority to organise the Church particularly in the areas of worship, discipline, instruction and administration. This is a clear indication of the order in the church right from its inception.

One more thing is the fact that once they arrived in Antioch, they assembled the Church and gave an account of their stewardship of this first missionary effort and of what God had done with them and how the door of faith had been opened to the pagans. When a dispute arose on the issue of circumcision, Paul and Barnabas humbly submitted themselves and their efforts to the scrutiny of the apostolic community—the same community that commended them to the grace of God at the beginning of the mission; it is an honour no one takes on himself. It takes courage to do this, and this is what we must do too as true followers of Christ. When last did you humbly and willingly give an account of your stewardship?

Let us pray: Lord help us by your grace to realise that we have to give an account of our lives to the giver of life. Help us to begin here by good deeds and a humble way of life. Amen. 

+Remain blessed