Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Eastertide Third Week, Wednesday – Acts 8:1-8; Ps 65:1-7; John 6:35-40

Saul then worked for the total destruction of the Church; he went from house to house arresting both men and women and sending them to prison.

We hear of the unpleasant news of the persecution of Christians, religious discrimination, about human tragedy, wars, and injustice. Meanwhile, we sit in a comfortable armchair ready to watch the next episode of a favourite serial. Perhaps we gasp, to express our indignation. But soon everything returns to normal. We explain to ourselves that we can’t do anything, it’s a matter for those higher up. So much so that during evening prayers we forget about the people who will spend that night in fear for their lives, in dread and anxiety.

In grieving for others, I don’t notice when I hurt others, and close myself off to God and His grace. I belittle someone else’s views, mock those who have different opinions, and don’t accept it when someone has alternative ideas. I look down on the poor, am intolerant of life’s failures, and distance myself from the homeless. And at the same time, I receive Holy Communion, kneel to pray, and boast of being Christian.

Do I remember to surround those I have hurt with prayer? Lacking sensitivity for someone else, for their suffering, pain, wounds, misunderstanding, and loneliness make me unable to cope with rejection, ridicule and pointing fingers. It is then that I often hurt myself. Jesus saves all people, the persecutors and persecuted. It’s worth reminding ourselves of this . . .

Sometimes the road to life is like feeling your way through fog over rocky ground. It’s very clear which way to go, not seeing more than a few feet ahead and everything seems to be an obstacle and likely to cause a trip and fall. Thank you, God, that You then go with me. Alone . . . I would just sit down and begin to cry, or even die from fear . . .