Acts 16 : 1 – 10 / Ps. 99 : 1 – 3, 5 / Jn. 15 : 18 – 21

Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, gives us a strong sense of how Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journeys were guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would not allow them to cross into the province of Bithynia either, so, instead, they came to the city of Troas, on the North West coast of modern-day Turkey.

Similarly, we find in the Old Testament a minister forbidden to preach at all Cf. Eze. 3:26. Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabas are only forbidden to preach in one place, while they are directed to another place where their service is more needed. There, Paul experienced the prompting of the Spirit once more in the form of a vision.

Though, their judgment and inclination were to go into Bithynia, having extraordinary ways of knowing the mind of God, they were overruled by them, contrary to their own mind. Friends, we must follow providence and submit to the guidance of Holy Spirit. As servants of the Lord Jesus, we ought to always be under the check and conduct of the Spirit by whom our minds are governed.

Luke also gives us a sense of the Holy Spirit at work guiding Paul and his companions, charting their course. It is a very encouraging picture. However, in the gospel reading Jesus paints a somewhat bleaker picture.

 He tells his disciples that just as the world, the world of unbelief, has hated him, so it will hate them. A servant is not greater than his master. As they persecuted the master Jesus, they will persecute the servants, his disciples.

If Luke in the first reading depicts the work of the Spirit, the gospel reading depicts hostility to that work. Both of these realities will be the future of the church’s life and mission. What matters is that in the face of the hostility to the gospel message, we never lose sight of the Spirit at work within us and among us.

Mass Intentions: we are praying to day through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima for all people to develop a deep sense for prayer and conversion of heart. Also we pray for all pregnant women for a safe delivery and good health for all unborn babies.

Rosary Prayer: Joyful Mysteries