Daily Reflections
Acts 14:5-18
In today’s reading God performs a miracle through Paul, demonstrating God’s authority and showing the people his support for the apostles and their message. The people marvel at what Paul has done and reason that Paul and Barnabas must be gods who have come down to earth disguised as men. The people busy themselves, preparing to offer sacrifice to the gods. Paul tells them to stop, explaining that they are not gods and that it is not empty idols but the living God to whom they should give their attention, ‘for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness’ (v. 17). But still the people carry on, determined to make their sacrifice to the gods, blinkered from the reality and refusing to listen.
How often do we let ourselves become distracted from the true message of the gospel? How often does our own focus shift from what is really important to something we perceive as being important? How often do we let ourselves be distracted from living out the gospel and busy ourselves with championing different causes?
During last year there was debate about the introduction of the new translation of the Mass. There were those who regarded the new translation as a great improvement and more faithful to the original text. There were others who felt the changes in the language were too literal and distanced the people from the Mass. In the Catholic press and on the Internet the debate went on. One side argued, ‘There is no doubt that we have a richer translation that brings us closer to the heart and mind of the Church’s liturgical prayer’, while the other said, ‘The new translation is cumbersome and removed from the language which ordinary people speak and understand. It is authoritarian and out of tune with where people are at the beginning of the twenty-first century.’ And at the same time as the debate went on, there was a drought in the Horn of Africa. Rather than be distracted by the change, the important thing is to hear God’s word, participate in the Mass, and live out the gospel message in our daily lives.
God, help me to focus on what is really important. Help me to focus on what will give life. Help me to focus on what promotes justice and peace. Help me to let go of all the little things that don’t matter.
Acts 14:5-18 • Psalm 113B(115):1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26
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