RECREATE US ANEW LORD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT(Acts 28:16-20,30-31/Psam 11:4,5,7/John 21:20-25)

RECREATE US ANEW LORD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT(Acts 28:16-20,30-31/Psam 11:4,5,7/John 21:20-25)


RECREATE US ANEW LORD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Saturday, June 08, 2019)

On this day as we enter into the conclusion of the Season of Easter, we also end the readings and discourses from the Acts of the Apostles. We have heard of the many works of the Apostles in ministering to the people of God and in testifying for their faith, saving many souls through their actions and dedication. In today’s first reading, we heard about the story of St. Paul in Rome, at the last part of his earthly ministry. St. Paul continued to work and dedicate himself to the faithful in the city of Rome and spoke to the Jewish community living there. He has done many good works for the Lord’s sake, and even at that time, he still performed one last great work for God, in helping to establish the foundation of the Church at the heart of the Roman Empire.

In the gospel, Jesus had just commissioned Peter to take care of the early Church as heard in the gospel of yesterday. But just as quickly, Peter got distracted and was curious about the other disciple whom Jesus loved. In a very firm and pointed manner, Jesus addressed the issue: What does it matter to you? You are to follow me. In other words, Jesus was saying to Peter: Mind your own business, stay focused and follow me. Even in the first reading, St. Paul did not lament about being in chains despite his innocence, but he took the opportunity to proclaim the Kingdom of God despite wearing those chains.

He stayed focused on Jesus. So Peter's distraction and Paul's predicament have taught us to focus our minds and hearts on Jesus and to follow him. Brothers and sisters, now, all of us are called to follow the examples of these holy Apostles and servants of the Lord. We are called to be faithful and to be devoted to Him, in all of our ways and actions. Let us always resist the temptation for all these transient and impermanent glories of this world and things that do not last forever. Let us all instead seek the true joy and happiness, the satisfaction and eternal glory that we can gain in God alone.

And as Christians, we do not need to worry about all of them, as God Who is always with us, will reward us for our faith and commitment to Him. Let us all, therefore, as we come to celebrate the Solemnity of the Pentecost tomorrow, remember that each and every one of us has received the Holy Spirit and His many gifts. Let us remember that all of us ought to make use of these gifts for the greater glory of God, and for the good of our fellow men and women. May the Lord be with us always, and may He continue to guide us in our path.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, send forth your Spirit O Lord, that the face of the earth be renewed.