At Miletus, Paul spoke to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus: “Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the Church of God that he acquired with his own Blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears. And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated. I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions. In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all. They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him, for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
REFLECTION
Today’s first reading spoke to me because it is a word to the wise, and as a teacher, coach, sister, friend I can use all the help and reminders I can get. I find in it both encouragement and a warning; reminders of how to live my life in accord with the will of God. I would like to reflect upon how Paul’s statement on Jesus’ teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is something that as a teacher and coach, I am reminded of frequently. There are days the work I put in seems all for not, especially when it falls on deaf ears and blind eyes. In those times it is easy for me to want to do less and even think of quitting, but Paul reminds me that serving others is what this life is all about. Jesus teaches this, and is a great example of this. I am so blessed to be able to serve others in the work that I do! I might not be seeing the fruits of my labor in present time, but that is part of the mystery of faith, and God works in mysterious ways. I find encouragement in Paul’s reminder of Jesus’ teaching to us and am determined to persevere in living out my faith, especially in the work that I do.
This is encouraging. Thank you for sharing.
God bless you.
Thank you, Allison