Eastertide Seventh Saturday – Acts 28:16-20,30-31; John 21:20-25

We know it perfectly well: “I didn’t do it because he. . .”, “I did it because she. . .”, “it just happened”. . . There are so many types of justifications, shifting responsibility, complaining about the conditions that make it impossible for us to live in plenty. And Paul? Here he was condemned, rejected by the people, exiled to Rome, guarded by a soldier – “Paul spent the whole of the two years in his own rented lodging. He welcomed all who came to visit him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ.” He did good not in spite of the circumstances (he did not run away to preach Jesus on the streets but taught those who came to his prison) – but in accordance with the conditions of his life, in the conditions at his disposal.

Yes, yes – no circumstances here – often I myself am the biggest obstacle.