Saturday of the 6th week of Easter
Acts 18: 23-28 John 16: 23b-28
Theme: Power in the name
In the gospel reading from St. John, we are told that anything we ask in the name of Jesus will be given to us. The name of Jesus is the name above every other name. The word of God also says in Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of the father. All these assertions point to the fact that there is power in the name of Jesus. As Christians, we are privileged people, to have such a person as our friend and brother. We are all encouraged to make good use of the power in the name of Jesus, by getting closer to him and establishing a good relationship with him. The name of Jesus can do exploits for all those who make use of it in faith. We see Peter using it to restore a sick man to health, and some other instances, even in our own time. You can also make use of it in faith, to the glory of God.
Also, the response to our psalm today asserts that God is King of all the earth. This simply means that, as Christians we are favoured people. However, the real question is whether we believe in the power in the name of Jesus, and the fact that God is the King of all the earth? If our answers to these questions are positive, then we are already on the right path. All that is left will be to translate it into action in our daily lives.
In the 1st reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Apollos doing exploits in the name of God. This simply shows that God will continue to raise men and women to propagate the good news of Christ. It is God who decides and chooses whoever he wants to propagate the good news. This is seen clearly from the 1st reading of today and the wonderful work done by Apollos. He was eloquent and had a good knowledge of the scriptures. One thing that is worthy of note is the fact that when God chooses you, he empowers you for the ministry. That is why an individual may not be very intelligent, yet he is doing exploits for God. Let us always remember that God is our King and has power to do whatever he wants. As we strive to put all this into practice, may almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.