Monday 11 May
Acts 14:5-18
The modern obsession with celebrity dominates the cultural landscape of most western societies. Human beings have a remarkable capacity for defining hierarchy, as can be seen by the way in which within the world of celebrity we have designated A, B, C and D listers (the list so far has not extended to E or F!). Without a doubt the celebrities at the top of the list are treated like mini gods and are fêted, indulged and revered. Of course, we all know that they are only human (and most of the time only too human), and the other side of the coin is that the same media which put them up on pedestals soon turn on them and bring them back down to earth again. That said, the obsession continues and gets worse from year to year.
In Lystra, after performing a wonderful healing miracle, St Paul and St Barnabas are deemed by the crowd to be the first-century equivalent of celebrities as the crowd mistakes them for the Greek gods Hermes and Zeus in human form. The apostles are horrified at the suggestion, tearing their garments in disgust and protesting, ‘Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God…’ (v. 15). Despite their protests they have great difficulty in keeping the crowd from making sacrifices to them (v. 18).
What lesson or insight can we draw from this incident? The gospel message is a great leveller of pretension and aspiration to be more than we really are – before God we are all created equal; before God each of us possesses a unique and inalienable dignity. Upon what is this dignity based? It is based upon what God has done for us in Jesus. The Holy Spirit keeps our feet very much on the ground but our head, heart and mind focused on Christ. Celebrity, human recognition and status or privilege (of any kind) simply does not last: it fades and ultimately dies. However, our faith, which is more precious than gold, does not corrupt or fade or die but leads us into the kingdom of the Son, within which we are raised up to be partakers in the divine nature.
‘Lord Jesus, I turn from the worthless pursuit of all that does not lead to you. You are true treasure and real riches.’
Acts 14:5-18 • Psalm 113B(115):1-4, 15-16
John 14:21-26
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Shop Categories
Cards and Gifts New Books Spring Sale Summer Reading Walk With Me Faith Today Children's Books General Books Jewellery Bible Alive Catholic Today Exclusive Offers Christian Art and History Donations Papal Books Clearance Parish Ordering Subscriptions Religious Figures Music and DVDs L'Osservatore RomanoList All Products |
Shop Login
Product Search
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Shopping Cart
Featured Products
 The Gospels Box Set
Price:
£35.00
|
 Jesus of Nazareth
Price:
£14.95
|
 Real Presence
Price:
£12.99
|
 Bible Alive - UK Subscription
Price:
£22.50
|
 Light of the World
Price:
£14.99
|
 The Death of a Child
Price:
£16.99
|
Top Sellers
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Our Tweets
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. With the latest Birmingham Catholic news and Catholic videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Walk With Me Daily
Outreach Programmes
Since the beginning Alive Publishing has always had a desire to ‘reach out’ with our Catholic magazines, Catholic books, and other Christian resources.
