You Do Not Belong To The World

Acts 16:1-10
John 15:18-21

Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles offers us the missionary focus and challenges of Paul and Silas. It is a lesson in perseverance for what we plan for and an invitation to trust the possibilities of change. At several occasions, Paul and his companions were prevented from entering some places. I wonder what that “prevention” which Paul recounts looked like? Have you been prevented from doing something you are sure is part of your mission as a Christian? How can we perceive the difference between a challenge to persevere and the insight to change course? However, we will see in the next section of this chapter that the mission took a turn orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Even though he did not plan this voyage, he brought the Gospel to Europe. Going beyond Paul’s scope at the time, the mission grew exponentially from there.

Jesus in our Gospel today offers the message of radical engagement in the Christian mission that is suitable for today. Once we accept Jesus Christ, the world hates us. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. Christians are known by love whereas the world is known by hatred and evil. No matter what we do as Christians therefore the world will always hate us. This hatred begins as soon as we love and obey Christ. Once we do not accept sinful and selfish ways, we are not accepted by the world. As Christians we must decide to be on the Lord’s side by keeping his commandments of love. Truth is eternal and ever-haunting to all who hate it. Live the scriptures Be directed by the Holy Spirit today and Spread the word of God wherever you go. Go across your borders, there is a need for help on the other side.

Today we also remember Our Lady of Fatima. Her life is a prime example to us. Her yes to the Angel Gabriel set off a chain of yesses that still has relevance today. She has continued to stay close to her children throughout history. To teach, to heal, and to inspire us. Paul was inspired to go a different way in a dream and knew this was a further call in his mission. May we also be ready to change our plans and go a different way whenever the need arises for the glory of God’s Kingdom. Amen.

Our Lady of Fatima. Pray for us. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho