First Saturday of the Month
Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:34
Mass: Acts 18:23-36; Resp Ps 47; Jn 16:23b-28
For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.
We learn of Apollos in today's account from the Acts of the Apostles. He was an "eloquent speaker" and an "authority on Scriptures ... He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus." While being articulate and well-informed, Apollos was not fully informed. He knew only about the baptism of John, that is, "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Lk 3:3). Or as John explains, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Lk 3:16). So Priscilla and Aquila went to work. They took Apollos aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. Then Apollos, now better informed, "gave great[er] assistance to those who had come to believe through grace." I reflect on Apollos, whose mind and heart were open to learning and growing deeper in his understanding of the ways of God. He is a role model for all of us. We are called to continue to probe the mysteries of our faith, to learn, to read, to be open to guidance and instruction, to pray. Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
Christ as the strength of God should support you so that you should not be worn down by difficulties. Let love enkindle your zeal, let knowledge inform it, let constancy strengthen it.
(Bernard of Clairvaux)
SAINT JUSTIN, PRAY FOR US.
NB. Today's photo of "maple seeds that look as pretty as wildflowers" says our Oregon friend and nature enthusiast.
No comments:
Post a Comment