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FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER, MAY 10, 2024

Writer's picture:  Olivia M. Bannan Olivia M. Bannan

Reading 1

Acts 18:9-18

One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,

"Do not be afraid.

Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.

No one will attack and harm you,

for I have many people in this city."

He settled there for a year and a half

and taught the word of God among them.


But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,

the Jews rose up together against Paul

and brought him to the tribunal, saying,

"This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law."

When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,

"If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,

I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;

but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and title

and your own law, see to it yourselves.

I do not wish to be a judge of such matters."

And he drove them away from the tribunal.

They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,

and beat him in full view of the tribunal.

But none of this was of concern to Gallio.


Paul remained for quite some time,

and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,

together with Priscilla and Aquila.

At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.



REFLECTION

"Do not be afraid.


We live by faith and not by sight. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, guides us, instructs us and strengthens our trust in Him. The Holy Spirit taught the prophets, Mary and Joseph and His followers how to handle fear.


To Abraham He said in a vision, "Do not fear, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great." (Genesis 15:1),


To Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30).


To Joseph, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home." (Matthew 1:20),


Now to Paul, the Lord said to him in a vision, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you." (Acts 18:9)


And now to us......


In all instances we are asked to grow in humility, to surrender and let go. Trust in God's mercy and love. Let go and surrender all worries to God in prayer, discerning His will for us and acting on it.


A wayward child, a sick parent, unhappy marriage--surrender to God in prayer, do not be afraid and trust in His mercy and love. Completely leave those whom you love in the loving hands of Jesus, never ceasing in praying for them.


What has been the most difficult time in your life when you were afraid? Did we trust God?


God bless you.


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