Friday 15th May 2020
Fifth week of Easter
Acts 15:22-31, John 14:12-17
Sometimes in our lives, we spend
so much energy doing what is wrong. We disregard what others say because we
think we are doing what is right. What easily comes to my mind as I reflect on
this, is the energy Paul had used to persecute the Church. Paul had thought
that the Christian faith had come to disregard some Jewish practices and laws.
After his conversation, Paul has now become a defender of what he had earlier
condemned because he is now aware of the truth. This is what happens in our
lives every day. We find ourselves defending what is wrong with so much passion because we have no true
knowledge of the opposition party. Paul is therefore being persecuted by his
fellow Jews the same way he had persecuted Christians.
It becomes very pertinent
therefore, that we try and listen to others when we are not sure of what we are
doing or saying. We may spend the whole of our lives defending what is not true,
until we hear the opinion of others as we see in the first reading of today.
The saying goes that 'where you sit is where you stand'; It is obvious that the Jews were thinking from a
selfish perspective for they wanted Gentiles to become Jews before becoming
Christians. After the Council of Jerusalem which was guided by the Holy Spirit, it was noted
that morality is universal but culture and norms differ. Thus we can serve God
with our own individual differences. Let us therefore try and understand one
another, only this can we practice the life of love Jesus requires of us in the
gospel reading of today. We cannot love one another if we are not ready to
listen to one another, lay down our opinions, claims, and prejudices about
others. What Christ commands us today is to love one another. God help us. Amen
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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