Saturday of the 7th week of Eastertide
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
First reading – Acts 28:16-20,30-31
Paul was in chain for two years in Rome. He did not lament. He did not criticize. He was not disappointed. So, what was he doing? “He welcomed all who came to visit him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete freedom and without hindrance from anyone”. In his chains, he welcomed all who came to visit him. Even in pains, he welcomed everyone. No exceptions. Not only that he welcomed everyone, but also, he proclaimed the kingdom of God and even taught the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. Because is it the hope of Israel. Because it’s the hope of the whole world. He did it as we read, with complete freedom and without hindrance from anyone. He had his inner freedom, and nobody hindered him too. So, in chains, in pains, in disappointments, in discouragements, there is an option. The option of Paul: to welcome everyone and to teach the truth of Jesus Christ in complete freedom. Let’s reflect: In my pains and disappointments, am I opting to welcome everyone and to preach the truth of Gospel as Paul did?
Saturday 27 May
