Monday of the 5th week of Easter year A
Theme: The word continued to spread
It is amazing how God continues to use all those who are positively disposed towards the mission of Christ. As Paul and Barnabas continued to experience persecution and rejection out of jealousy, they moved from place to place, spreading the good news of Christ, and doing exploits for God. However, it is interesting to note that amidst all the acclamations that they are getting from people, they are still conscious of the boundaries and the limitations. When Paul restored the cripple, the people referred to him and Barnabas as gods, and they immediately refuted it. They told the people outrightly that they were not gods and the fact that their strength is not from them, but rather from God. Their action says a lot to us today as children of God. In our own time, some ministers of God are comfortable taking the glory that belongs to God, forgetting that without him they can do nothing. Some ministers of God would have gladly accepted all the praise from the people and the titles given to them, instead of rejecting them just like Paul and Barnabas did in today’s 1st reading.
My sisters and brothers in Christ, let us learn something from the action of Paul and Barnabas, especially today in our world when people struggle for praise and acclamation from the people of God. It is always important to remain humble when God begins to use us for exploits in the ministry. Never at any time be carried away by all the praise and acclamations you get from the people. Always remember that cut off from him you can do nothing. He is the vine, and you are the branch, you always need God and cannot stand on your own without him. You must try to remain humble, especially when fame begins to come, that is when you should be careful, lest you make a very grievous mistake.
Today Paul and Barnabas are humble enough to refute it immediately and tell the people that they are just like them and not gods. This is the height of humility, and God will continue to bless all your endeavours with this type of attitude. Never make the mistake of taking the glory that belongs to God. Just give God his glory and he will continue to bless you and all your endeavours. We see that in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, the more they face jealousy from place to place, the more God continued to bless them and their ministry. Just give God his due and leave the rest to him. He knows how to appreciate any effort we make, to the glory of God and the good of humanity.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus is preparing the people for his Ascension into heaven and the coming of the holy spirit. The Lord continues to plan for his children. Let us appreciate the love of God for us and do our best to reciprocate by living a life that is good and pleasing to God. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.