From the time that the Lord had appeared to St. Paul on the road to Damascus until the time of his death, St. Paul never tired of proclaiming the good news of salvation.  He preached to anyone who would listen, and in any situation in which he found himself.  He stayed true to the call he had received, and because of his faithfulness the Church grew.  Because of his faithfulness, we Christian men and women of today have an example to follow, a model on which to base our own lives.  God asks only of us what he asked of St. Paul; to hear his word, to heed his call to serve, and then to remain faithful to his call.  He asks only that we love one another, and in that love, share with others all that we have in Christ.  Just as with St. Paul, some will be convinced by what we say.  Others will not believe.  No matter the results of our efforts, we must remain faithful to the Lord.  For it is in our faithfulness that the Church will continue to grow.  It is in our faithfulness that future Christian men and women will find an example to follow, a model on which to base their own lives.  God is forever.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  As we have read these last weeks in the Acts of the Apostles, the Church grew because the apostles and disciples of the Lord were open to the power of the Holy Spirit, and then faithful to the call of God.  The Church will continue to grow because we are open to the power of the Holy Spirit, and then faithful to the call of God.  Praise to the Lord now and forever!!

So often in our own lives we feel that we are not in the right place to be effective witnesses for Christ.  We may have so many trials and sorrows that we find it difficult enough to keep our own lives on course, much less witness to others about Jesus.  In this section of the Acts of the Apostles St. Luke relates all of the problems that St. Paul had to confront as he was traveling as a prisoner to Rome.  We read that even the ship which was carrying him to Rome broke apart in a winter storm, and all on the ship were stranded.  During the storm St. Paul, even though he was a prisoner, encouraged all of the men, and modeled for them all of the strength and peace that he experienced in Jesus.  When they were stranded on the island of Malta he cared for the people, and continued to live his life in the service of the Lord.  In the example of St. Paul we learn that there is no circumstance in our lives that it is not possible to proclaim Jesus, and act in his service.  Let us pray for the grace and courage to always live in the light of the Lord.  Let us pray that we always and everywhere proclaim the good news both in word and action.

St. Paul used every chance and opportunity to proclaim the name of Jesus.  He used every opportunity to persuade others of the wonderful love of God for his people, expressed through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of his only begotten Son, Jesus.  St. Paul had been in custody for a lengthy period of time when he came before King Agrippa to plead his case.  He had pleaded his case before many different people by this time.  Yet he was just as forceful, in fact even more so, this time in not only defending himself, but preaching the good news to all who were gathered.  As we read King Agrippa and his wife were both positively affected by what St. Paul had said.  St. Paul was committed to the gospel, and used every life situation in fulfillment of that commitment.  All of us find ourselves in different and unique life situations.  Like St. Paul, we must be ready to use those life situations in pursuance of the gospel of the Lord.  Each of us must be as committed to the Lord as was St. Paul.  Each of us must be ready to use the moments of our lives, both good and bad, to share that commitment with others.  Like St. Paul, we never know who might hear us.  We never know who might be ready to entrust their lives to the Lord.  Let us never tire of proclaiming the name of Jesus, to all people, and in all situations.

Felix was interested in the Way.  He was intrigued by all that St. Paul related about the Christian religion during Paul’s hearing before him.  After the hearing was over Felix sent for St. Paul and inquired more about this new religion.  When he opened his heart he could see the truth of what Paul explained to him, but we are also told that he was afraid.  We are also told that his fear won out.  Felix felt that he had too much to lose, and so finally we read that although he continued to talk to Paul, he did so with heart closed, hoping that a bribe would be offered so he could send Paul on his way.  It is important that as we experience Jesus in our lives, as we hear him call our names, call us into service, that we do so with open hearts.  We must examine our own lives to see if we are fully open to all that the Lord has and wants for us.  It may be that we find that we are afraid to be fully open to the Lord.  We may think that we have too much to lose, or feel that we are comfortable just where we are right now.  God always wants more for us, and he promises that when we say yes to him, when we experience all that he offers, we will find a peace and joy which can only be found in him.

In each place where Christianity began to flourish the people had different customs.  The Jews, from whom Jesus and the apostles had come, made up the bulk of those who had come to believe, and so when St. Paul came to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the church, there were many who were not happy with the way that St. Paul was preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and the Jews of Asia.  There were many who thought that to be a good Christian, one should be compelled to ardently follow the Mosaic Law.  St. Paul, on the other hand, knew that it was most important that new believers have faith in Jesus.  This was a new Church established by Jesus, the Son of God.  The former law was not applicable.  It was by faith that believers were saved.  The problem of different customs among people of faith is always a concern in a universal church.  The introduction of different customs can enliven faith, and make manifest the presence of the Lord in new ways.  It is important, however, that as the customs of new people of faith are incorporated into the church that we remember that faith in Jesus must be at the center of all that we do.  It is just as important that we not be so rooted to the old ways and customs that we forget that it is Jesus who is at the center of our faith.  We must always stay focused on the Lord, and not focused just on the ritual or the customs.  Our God is so good.  He has created, and lives among all people, and calls all to come to him from every place and every land throughout all the earth.

It is not easy to keep ourselves from shrinking away from expounding those truths which are unpopular.  It is not always easy to share with others the truth that is Jesus, when that truth flies in the face of what is “normal” and popular in our society.  St. Paul faced that throughout his ministry, and he was able to say that he never shrunk away from speaking the truth, never shrunk away from telling others the truth of Jesus, which would be for their benefit.  Can we say the same?  We are called to speak the truth boldly in the name of the Lord.  We are called to share the fullness of God’s love and goodness with others.  Some of those truths are easy to speak and to live.  Others are more difficult.  What is constant is that when we speak, hear, and put into action in our lives all of the truths of the Lord, we will have more joy and peace in our lives.  Let us pray that we always have the courage to proclaim and live the full Truth, who is our God and Savior.

It is not easy to keep ourselves from shrinking away from expounding those truths which are unpopular.  It is not always easy to share with others the truth that is Jesus, when that truth flies in the face of what is “normal” and popular in our society.  St. Paul faced that throughout his ministry, and he was able to say that he never shrunk away from speaking the truth, never shrunk away from telling others the truth of Jesus, which would be for their benefit.  Can we say the same?  We are called to speak the truth boldly in the name of the Lord.  We are called to share the fullness of God’s love and goodness with others.  Some of those truths are easy to speak and to live.  Others are more difficult.  What is constant is that when we speak, hear, and put into action in our lives all of the truths of the Lord, we will have more joy and peace in our lives.  Let us pray that we always have the courage to proclaim and live the full Truth, who is our God and Savior.

When dealing with the things of this world which have an impact on our spiritual lives, it is imperative that we constantly search our motives.  Sometimes what can seem so right turns out to be so wrong.  In this passage the silversmiths are worried about the spread of Christianity, because of the impact that it would have on their livelihood.  They convince themselves and many of the people that their complaint against the Christians is a just one, because the Christians are disparaging the patron god of the town.  In reality, they are stirring up trouble because of their loss of income.  The pull of this world and its pleasures is constant.  It is something that we will always have to deal with.  It is important to pray constantly for the grace and wisdom to make right decisions when it comes to the things of this world.  It is important for us to remember that our spiritual lives and the health of our souls is much more important than any temporal reward we may find on this earth.

Wherever we are on our journey of faith, the Lord has more for us.  He continues to call us deeper into his life and his love.  He continues to bless us with his grace.  He continues to give us more and more gifts as we are open to him in our lives.  In this passage St. Paul encounters some disciples who were working for the Lord.  Because their hearts were open he was able to call upon the Lord to give them a new outpouring of power and grace.  In the baptism they received, they came more fully into the grace and power of God.  Our Lord wants more for us.  Whether we have been on this walk of faith for days or years, he wants more for us.  Every day is a new beginning.  Every prayer brings more power and grace.  The grace and the gifts of the Lord are infinite.  Let us always seek the gifts of the Lord.  Let us always be open to the “more” that Jesus has for us.  Let us praise the Lord for his infinite love and mercy.

As Christian men and women we are called by our Lord to share with others the good news of salvation, which we have come to know and experience in our lives.  We may find ourselves afraid to speak out because we don’t know enough about our faith, and are, therefore, uncomfortable sharing with others.  In Apollos we have an example of how we are to be effective disciples for the Lord.  Apollos shared with others what he knew and experienced.  It turned out that he had limited knowledge, but what he did know he shared with passion and conviction.  Each of us has a unique relationship with our God.  Each of us is in a different place in our walk of faith on this earth, but, like Apollos, we are called to share with others what we have been given by our God.  We are called to share all that God is in our lives.  If each of us does that we will be following the call of our God, and many will come to know and believe the good news of salvation.

It is important that we all be strengthened in our faith, as we respond to the call of the Lord in our lives.  Every one of us needs to be bolstered in our role as disciples, and refreshed as we carry out our mission in the church.  In this passage we read that St. Paul traveled throughout the territories of Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen those who were already disciples.  He confirmed them in their work, and brought the refreshing peace of Christ to renew them.  Each of us must take time to be renewed in the power of Jesus.  Each one of us needs the strength of community to keep us strong in our own faith, and focused on the goal that we seek to achieve.  It is in community, among those who share our beliefs and our goals, where we gain strength.  We are emboldened by the common nature of shared beliefs, as in community we strive to come closer to the Lord.  The grace of God is poured out on community where two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name.  Let us rejoice in our own Christian communities.  Let us minister, and be ministered to, in the warmth of community, where the Lord is so powerfully present in our lives.

St. Paul always took the bull by the horns.  He knew what he had been called to do, and there was nothing that could stand in the way of his completing his mission.  Even when he had disappointing results as he preached to the Jews in Corinth, he was not at all deterred.  He shook the dust from his feet, and went on preaching to the Gentiles, and many were added to the faith.  In this passage we read that St. Paul was confirmed in his preaching by our Lord.  His faithfulness to his task was rewarded when our Lord told him in a vision to continue preaching in the peace of Christ.  St. Paul was reminded that Jesus would be with him always.  We, too, must be strong in carrying out our mission in Christ.  Each of us has been given gifts, and each of us is called into service by our God.  When we step out in faith, when we move ahead in our call to service, when we are faithful to that call; the Lord will never fail to affirm and confirm us.  We will be reminded, as was St. Paul, that the Lord will be with us always.  We will be strengthened in our faith.  We will experience more fully the joy and peace of our Lord.  Let us pray for the grace to accept and put into action Jesus’ call to service.  Let us always say yes to the Lord!

St. Paul always taught others with respect for their beliefs.  He was firm, but he was respectful.  We get a very clear picture of this in the passage relating St. Paul’s visit to Athens.  It is clear that both St. Paul and St. Luke admired the Greeks’ pursuit of learning, and St. Paul used this idea of the pursuit of learning to appeal to the Greeks with whom he spoke.  He spoke with them on their own level, appealing to them by using those things which were important to them.  It is important for us to always treat people with respect.  It is important that we respect the beliefs of others.  When we share with others the good news of the salvation of the world in Jesus Christ, it is important that we speak with love and kindness.  We can learn from St. Paul the lesson of speaking with people where they are, and by using those teaching techniques that would be appealing to those with whom we speak.  St. Paul never missed an opportunity to speak of his love for the Lord.  Let us learn from him, and never be afraid to share with others in love and respect that which we have come to know and experience in Jesus.

As we evangelize it is important for us to remember that we cannot make anyone believe.  We cannot make anyone accept the good news as we have been given the grace to accept it.  All we can pray for is the opportunity to encounter people who are fair-minded and open to hearing about Jesus.  God will do the rest.  In this passage that is just what St. Paul found in Beroea.  He found Jews who were open to the good news, people who not only listened, but examined all of what St. Paul was teaching in the light of scripture.  St. Luke tells us that many were added to the faith.  Let us pray that we encounter people in our own lives who are willing to examine the good news of salvation which we proclaim.  Let us pray that in their examination of the Lord, that our most gracious God pour his grace upon them, and plant in them a seed of faith which will grow from the size of a mustard seed into a large and full bush, able to contain all of the love that our Lord brings to each of his sons and daughters.

We have been taught in our society that speaking about our religion is not the best way to make friends.  It may even be considered impolite.  We see in this passage, however, that it is important for us to share with others the good news of salvation.  St. Paul shows us that there are ways that we can be respectful of others’ beliefs, and still share those things that we have been commissioned, as disciples, to share.  As St. Paul spoke of the Messiah, there were many who came to believe, and were added to the number of brothers and sisters.  There were others who were offended, and tried to stop St. Paul from preaching further.  When we share with others what the Lord has done for us, there will be some who respond and some who will not.  As we see in this passage it is not always easy to share the good news, but it is our task to do so.  The drawbacks may be many, but the rewards are glorious.  Let us never shy away from sharing with others the good news that we have come to know and experience in Jesus.

The Lord worked a mighty miracle to free St. Paul from prison.  The jailer thinking the prisoners had escaped was about to kill himself, but when he realized that St. Paul was still there, and that the Lord had effected these circumstances, he asked what he might do to be saved.  He was willing to change his life and everything that he knew, because he had been touched by the Lord.  Even in giving up everything that he had known, he still rejoiced, for what he found was much better than what he had.  Our Lord comes into our lives in many ways.  He comes in power and might.  He comes in a tiny whisper.  However he comes to us, he is looking to draw us closer to himself.  He asks that we repent, and find a better more joyous way to live in his peace and light.  The jailer heard the Lord, and took a chance, hoping that living in the Lord would be better for him and his household.  Let us listen as the Lord continues to come into our lives.  Let us listen as he calls us into a deeper faith life.  Let us be always aware of the love of God, as we come to rejoice in all that our God has for us.

The charges that were brought against St. Paul had nothing to do with why the business people wanted to get rid of him.  They were losing business because St. Paul had delivered a spirit from the girl who was making them money.  Of course, that would not fly with the magistrates, so they invented charges that would be sure to get St. Paul beaten and thrown into jail.  In our secular world Christianity is being attacked on many fronts.  There are some who want religion totally abolished.  They want a completely secular society.  We must recognize that many of the charges brought against Christianity have no real basis, but are an attempt to inflame passions against religion.  The best argument that we can make against these charges is to live a life worthy of our calling in Christ.  As human beings we are imperfect.  As Christian men and women we are called to be reconciled to God, and to strive to live holy lives.  Let us pray for those who would attempt to destroy the Judeo-Christian principles on which this country was founded.  Let us live lives of good example, glorifying God living in the light of his truth.

As St. Luke recounts the missionary travels of St. Paul to the ends of the earth, it is evident that he was following the lead of the Holy Spirit.  He was completely open to the will of God through the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by where they went, and where they did not go, and why.  St. Paul was continually discerning the will of God as the Holy Spirit led him to one place and not another.  He was even open to the Holy Spirit in his dreams.  St. Luke makes it very clear that St. Paul was not following his own inclinations, but was following the lead of the Spirit.  It is important for us to learn from St. Paul the importance of surrendering our own wills to the will of God.  As, St. Paul continually sought the plan of God for his life, we must learn to open our lives to his plan, and to refrain from following our own inclinations.  God has a plan for each of us.  Each of us is called in a unique and different way to serve the Lord.  Let us pray for the gift of discernment as we seek the plan of the Lord for our lives, and then for the grace and strength to follow his plan.

As the church grew there arose many questions concerning the rules by which new members would be added.  Many of the Jewish converts wanted to keep laws that were important to the Jewish faith, while the Gentiles who were being added felt no kinship with the Jews, and therefore, felt no obligation to follow the ways of the old religion.  There were strong feelings, but, as St. Luke tells us, the will of God is what was sought as the debate went on.  The apostles were intent on finding the will of God by examining the fruits of the mission of Paul and Barnabas.  When Peter and James made the decision, it was accepted because all came to understand that their decision truly came from God.  Change is a part of our human existence.  There will always be changes in the church.  There will always be change in our lives.  It is important for us to remember that we should always seek the will of God in any change.  We must fight the temptation to change for the sake of change, or change because it seems the expedient thing to do.  Our God is always the same.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Let us pray that we seek always the way of the Lord, as we grow and change in our lives, and in our church.

St. Paul always made clear that the signs and wonders worked among the people were the work of Jesus.  He told the people that that the Lord was able to work through his weakness, and in so doing made manifest that the surpassing power was that of God not of man.  Still the people had trouble comprehending.  When they saw a man healed they proclaimed Paul and Barnabas as gods, and there was little that could be done to persuade them otherwise.  It is important for us to always remember that the goodness that we see, the wonders that we witness, come from the goodness and power of our almighty God.  Our Lord uses many people to make himself known in the world.  We must make sure that the glory from the many mighty deeds which are worked in our world is given to the Lord.  We must not be confused, as were the people of Lystra, as to whom the praise should go.  As we continue to marvel at all that the Lord continues to do in our lives and in our world, let us praise him unceasingly, and point others to the greatness of our wonderful God.

As Paul and Barnabas continued on this first mission, they found many who were open to the word and came to believe.  They also encountered much hardship, and there were some who sought to undo all that they had done in proclaiming the Name.  Some people sought to turn the people against the disciples, and to undermine the belief in Jesus which was spreading in the town.  Paul and Barnabas, however, stayed faithful to their mission, and spent much time with the people nurturing and building their new faith.  Our Lord confirmed the faithfulness of the disciples by granting signs and wonders to be worked by them in his name.  Proclaiming and sharing the Lord is never very easy, but we are called to be faithful to our call to be the disciples of this age.  Our Lord will never fail to confirm our faithfulness and perseverance to his name.  He will be with us to strengthen and guide us in our service to him.  He asks only that we step out in faith, and remain true to all that we have been given through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Paul and Barnabas preached the word of the Lord with much enthusiasm, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, with much conviction and persuasiveness.  Those who were changed by the word that they heard began to tell others about what they had learned and come to believe.  Soon, many who had not been present that first Sabbath became curious to hear the word for themselves.  St. Luke tells us that nearly the whole town was present on the next Sabbath, and many were added to the faith.  There are many in our own world who are curious to hear the word of the Lord.  We are called to be inviting as were some of the Jews at that first Sabbath when Paul preached the word.  For many the invitation will be life changing; for like many that day long ago who heard St. Paul, Jesus will be able to touch their hearts.  He will be able to change their lives.  As Christian men and women, who experience the love and goodness of our God everyday, there can be no greater joy that being a part of bringing that same love and goodness to others.  Our Lord calls us to be active members of his kingdom on earth.  Let us always say yes to the Lord.

Throughout their missionary journeys Paul and Barnabas encountered people who were opposing the teachings about Jesus.  As they arrived in Cypress they came upon a magician who was trying to keep people from hearing the word of the Lord.  St. Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was able to thwart the magician’s attempts to discredit what he and Barnabas were teaching, and in so doing was able to convert the proconsul.  In fact it was written that the proconsul was astonished by the teaching about Jesus.  In our society there are many barriers to sharing the good news of salvation with others.  We are called to overcome those barriers through the power of the Holy Spirit, and by prayer.  Like the proconsul, who was hungry for the truth of the gospel, there are many in our society who don’t know how hungry they are for God’s word.  It is only when we overcome the barriers to teaching, and share with others the love and mercy of God that they come to understand how much they need God in their lives.  Let us pray for the courage to share the good news with the people in our lives.  Let us pray that all are open to hear the word, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the grace to respond to the love and mercy of our God.

Herod had always been afraid of Jesus and the apostles.  He was afraid of them because he considered them a threat to his own power.  Throughout his reign, Herod did whatever it took to enhance his own power.  He tortured and killed all for his own protection and glory.  In this passage he had James killed, and when he saw that was popular with the people, he persecuted other Christians, and had Peter arrested.  He did all of this not out of any sort of principle, but only because it enhanced his own power.  We must always remember that we are the servants of the Lord.  All that we do in our lives and in his service should not be for our own glory, but for the glory and praise of the Lord.  When we live our lives in the way of the Lord, living for him, and serving him we will never have to live in fear, as Herod did.  We will have peace and joy in our hearts, for our souls will be satisfied being always in the love and light of our God.

As more and more people began to hear the Good News of Salvation from the apostles and disciples who had spread out from Jerusalem, the church began to take on an identity of its own.  Many of the people who came to believe in Jesus and were baptized were not of the Jewish faith.  The Gentiles began to have a real presence in the church, and St. Luke tells us that it was as these Gentiles came into the faith that the believers began to be called Christians.  It was becoming abundantly clear to all that this new church was truly a work of God, and that the church would continue to grow in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Christian church continues to grow today.  It is as evident to us as it was to the early Christians that the church is a true work of God in the power of the Spirit.  Sometimes, because the church is so old, we can take it for granted.  The Lord, however, continues to make his church new by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He continues to revitalize his church through that same Holy Spirit.  Let us praise God for the gift of the church he has given us.  Let us rejoice as the Lord continues to nurture and renew his church; as he continues to nurture and renew each of us.

In our human weakness we all too often get in the way of the plan of God for our lives and for our world.  Our God has given us a free will, and in that will we have become very independent.  We often think that we know better than God what is good for us, as well as what is good for others.  In this passage the apostles become indignant that St. Peter should have invited non Jews into the communion which they shared in Jesus.  It is only after St. Peter explains the intricate working of the Lord in this plan that they are able to accept the Gentiles into their community.  We are called to be constantly discerning the will of God in all situations.  We are called to be open to the many different ways in which the Lord works in both our lives and in our world.  We must always remember that we are called into service of the Lord’s plan, not our own plan.  Let us pray for a stronger gift of discernment in our lives.  Let us pray for the humility to choose always the plan of God, surrendering our wills to his, as he cares for us and guides us.

When St. Peter came to the house of Cornelius he did exactly as he had been doing since the ascension of the Lord.  He testified to those things which he had witnessed and experienced in Jesus.  He told Cornelius the very same thing that he had been telling all of the people with whom he had come into contact.  He understood completely that he had been commissioned by Jesus to spread the Good News to all people.  We have been given that same commission.  Like St. Peter we are called to share with others that which we have experienced in Jesus.  We are called to share the love and mercy of God with others just as we have received it from him.  There is no need for us to be completely versed in all of the tenets of our faith.  We can certainly share those as we come to understand more about our faith through study, but we can always share our own experiences with others just as St. Peter did.  We can always share how belief in the Lord has changed our lives, and how the mercy of God has healed us.  Just as St. Peter took seriously his task to proclaim Jesus Christ to the whole world, we must take that same challenge seriously, for the commission to share with others the good news of salvation is the life to which we are all called as Christian men and women.

Jesus told his apostles that they would do the things that he did, and even greater things, after he ascended into heaven; for the Holy Spirit would come to them, and they would proclaim the name of the Lord in power.  The apostles believed what Jesus told them, and from the time of Pentecost on, they lived in the power of the Holy Spirit whom they had received.  Because they were open to the Spirit the Lord was able to work many signs and wonders; signs which built the faith of the people, and brought them closer to the Lord.  The Lord continues to work signs and wonders in our own day.  Many are built up in their faith through the signs the Lord is working.  Many are brought closer and come to believe because of the signs the Lord continues to work.  It is important for us to know that we are the apostles of the Lord in this age.  The same Holy Spirit works in us when we are open to receive him.  Jesus tells each of us that we will do greater things than these, because of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Let us pray that through the faith of the apostles our own faith may be strengthened.  Let us pray that we be always open to the Holy Spirit, living the life to which he calls us.  Let us pray that the signs and wonders which the Lord continues to work in our midst bring more and more people to believe in our almighty and ever living God.

Jesus told his apostles that they would do the things that he did, and even greater things, after he ascended into heaven; for the Holy Spirit would come to them, and they would proclaim the name of the Lord in power.  The apostles believed what Jesus told them, and from the time of Pentecost on, they lived in the power of the Holy Spirit whom they had received.  Because they were open to the Spirit the Lord was able to work many signs and wonders; signs which built the faith of the people, and brought them closer to the Lord.  The Lord continues to work signs and wonders in our own day.  Many are built up in their faith through the signs the Lord is working.  Many are brought closer and come to believe because of the signs the Lord continues to work.  It is important for us to know that we are the apostles of the Lord in this age.  The same Holy Spirit works in us when we are open to receive him.  Jesus tells each of us that we will do greater things than these, because of the power of the Holy Spirit.  Let us pray that through the faith of the apostles our own faith may be strengthened.  Let us pray that we be always open to the Holy Spirit, living the life to which he calls us.  Let us pray that the signs and wonders which the Lord continues to work in our midst bring more and more people to believe in our almighty and ever living God.

St. Luke reminds us that St. Paul had a lot going against him as he sought to repent, and began to proclaim the name of Jesus.  The Jews could not believe what he was doing, and when they realized that his conversion was final they tried to kill him.  The disciples in Jerusalem did not trust him, and stayed away from him, until, finally, Barnabas had to vouch for him to the apostolic leaders.  There was all of this trouble, and yet, St. Luke tells us that St. Paul immediately began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues.  It didn’t matter what others thought.  It didn’t matter that he did not know everything about his faith.  It did not matter that others were suspicious of his motives.  The Lord called him, and he responded.  We are called to follow the example of St. Paul.  We are called to cast aside all of our doubts and fears.  We are called to let nothing get in the way of our proclaiming Jesus to those in our lives.  Proclaiming Jesus means living the gospel message.  It means sharing the love and mercy of God that we have received, with others.  None of us know everything, but we are called to share with others our own experience of Jesus, just as St. Paul shared his own experience as he followed the path laid out for him by the Lord.

When we are called into the service of the Lord it is important for us to remember that it is into his service that we are called.  It is important to remember that when we say yes to the Lord, we are saying that we will submit our own wills to his Divine Will.  We are saying that we will follow him no matter what we may think about the command that he gives us.  Ananias is a good example for us.  He can hardly believe what the Lord has asked him to do.  He knows Saul as a persecutor of the Christian people.  He knows that Saul is committed to eradicating the Christian problem.  Yet, here is the Lord commanding him to go and minister to Saul.  Rather than to do what he himself thinks is right, he follows the command of the Lord, and through his obedience Saul is baptized, and becomes ready for his own mission.  We can never truly understand all of the ways of the Lord, but we must always trust that his way is the right way; his way is the best for us, and for all those whom we serve.  Let us follow the example of Ananias.  Let us always say yes to the Lord.

Saul took very seriously his job of protecting the religion of the Jews against those who were considered blasphemers.  He truly believed that Jesus and his followers were heretics, and he made it his mission to wipe them out.  In the conversion story of Saul, however, we see something different than the blind adherence to the way of life that was so often a barrier to Jesus’ teaching.  Saul took to heart Jesus’ call to repentance.  He opened his life to the Lord, renounced those things which had kept him away from the Lord, and then relied on Jesus to lead the way.  At first his eyes were blind to the way of life to which he was being called, but as the Holy Spirit came upon him, and his heart was open to the Lord, his eye sight was restored.  He was able to see his own life in a new and wonderful way, and was able to hear the Lord’s call that he share that new life with the Gentiles.  Let us pray that as we open our lives to the power of the Holy Spirit, our eyes might be open to the new life that Jesus offers each of us.  Let us pray that we more readily rely on the Lord for all of our needs.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit the angel of the Lord told Philip to go to the river road.  That is all the angel of the Lord said.  Philip did not ask why.  He did not ask what was going to happen next.  St. Luke tells us that he got up and set out.  Because he was faithful to the word of the Lord that was spoken to him, the Lord was able to use Philip to bring many to the faith through the court treasurer to whom Philip shared the good news of salvation.  Most times as the Lord calls us into service, we do not get the whole picture.  There are many times when we are called to just begin a work that the Lord has in mind for us.  This can be very difficult for us.  It is our human nature to want to know the end result, or to at least know what the whole plan is before we start.  Our Lord reminds us that we are called into his service and that just as Philip answered the Lord’s call immediately and without question, we, too, are called to that same level of faith and obedience.  The Lord’s way is always the right way for us.  We can never go wrong in following the command of the Lord.  Let us listen for the Lord as he calls us into his service.  Let us answer his call with all humility, with all faith, and in all obedience.

The way of the Lord is so different than the way of the world.  It is when we try to value the way of the Lord the same way that we value the way of the world that we can easily become lost and find ourselves far away from the Lord.  Simon the magician could not comprehend that the gift of the Holy Spirit could be given freely by God.  He could not comprehend that the gifts of the Spirit are made manifest in different people as they are open to freely receive that gift, and are ready to use the gift to serve others and build the kingdom of God.  Our God is so good.  He loves us, and gives freely of himself to all who believe and are open to him.  The gift of the Holy Spirit, indeed, all of the gifts given to us by our God are so precious that we can easily feel that we are unworthy, because we have nothing to offer back to our God, but he asks only that we love him, and use his gifts to serve others.  They are given to all, no matter the social status, no matter the wealth or lack of wealth.  Our God loves each of us, and invites us to participate in his very life, as we are able, and as we are open to him.  Let us thank the Lord for his goodness, and the gifts he showers upon us.  Let us be always open to the goodness of the Lord.

St. Luke tells us that with the martyrdom of Stephen a persecution of Christians began.  Many of the new Christians were forced to leave Jerusalem.  We are told that they were scattered about.  We see, however, that the Lord was able to turn this catastrophe into good, as we are told that those who were scattered began to preach the word to the people in the different places to which they went.  The command to preach the word to the ends of the earth has now begun in earnest, even though the trigger for it was a trial for all of those early Christians who had to endure persecution.  It is important for us to look for the Lord in all of the events in our lives, both good and bad.  The Lord continues to guide and teach us in all that we do, and in all the circumstances of our lives.  He speaks to us and is able to use us in whatever is happening with us.  St. Paul reminds us that we live for the Lord.  We are his in both life and death.  St. Paul also tells us that God will bring about good even in the trials and sorrows of those who believe in him.  Let us continue to live our lives fully in the Lord, open to his love and guidance in both the good and difficult times of our lives.

The discourse of Stephen to the people in the temple is our own salvation history.  It is the story of the faithfulness of our God.  It is the story of God’s love for us.  It is the story of God’s mercy, as time and time again his people turned their backs on the covenants he made with them.  It is important for us to reflect on the history of our salvation.  It is important for us to know of all those who came before us, striving to live their faith just as we strive to live our own faith.  It is important to understand that trial and tribulation has been a part of our human condition from the very beginning, but that when we trust in God he will bring good out of all that we suffer.  The spiritual pitfalls into which many of our ancestors fell may have been a little bit different than those we face today, but we can learn from them the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord, trusting in him for all that we need.  Our God has been faithful to his people from the beginning of time.  We can trust, and have a certain hope that he will continue to be faithful in his love for all of his children.  Let us strive to be faithful to him.  Let us strive to return to him the love which he always shows us as his beloved sons and daughters.

We know how difficult it can be to accept something new.  We have all experienced in some way or another the need to face something new in our lives.  The more we are invested in the old way, and the more we have to lose by changing, the harder it is to do, even if the new way might be better for us.  We have another example of that in the story of the martyrdom of Stephen.  The religious authorities did not want change.  They were totally invested in the current way of life.  They went so far as to solicit false accusations against Stephen, when they could not prevail with argument.  Their blindness to the new way in which the Lord was calling them caused them to put to death an innocent person.  It is so important for us to always be aware of how the Lord leads us.  If we remain open to the Lord, and focused on following his way, even in the trials and hardship this life sometimes offers for those who would turn their backs on worldly ways, we need not fear going astray.  If we live our lives in the love of God and neighbor, our eyes will always be open to the truth which is Christ.  Living Christian values in a society which eschews many of them is definitely not easy, but surrendering our own wills to our God and  living humbly with him as the Lord of our lives will help us to prevail, and live happy and peaceful lives in the light of the Lord.

As the church began to grow the apostles were worn thin.  It was the apostles who were the leaders of the community, and it was the apostles to whom everyone went for all of their needs.  It became apparent to them that the community would suffer because of the load they were forced to carry by themselves.  To their dismay they came to the conclusion that the most important part of their ministry, namely preaching, teaching, and praying were beginning to suffer because of all the demands being placed on them.  In consultation with the Holy Spirit they decided to pick others to help them in some of the tasks that were required as the community grew, so that they could focus on that to which they had been called by Jesus.  They realized that there were others in the community who had the gifts which were required to take care of all of the different needs of their community.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit our God bestows upon his people an infinite number of gifts.  Each of us is called to discern what gifts we possess; those gifts which we can use to build the Christian community.  Each one of us is an important member of the community, an important member of the Body of Christ.  Let us always be open to the many gifts which our most good and gracious God provides his people.

We know that our faith comes from God.  God sent his Son that we might have life, and have it in abundance.  The reaction of the Pharisee Gamaliel, in this passage from the Acts of the Apostles, should remind us of the strength of faith we have because of the origin of the gift we have received.  We must come to know that our God is with us always.  We must also come to follow more closely the way of Jesus, who persuaded people with love and a caring heart.  The apostles were able to remain strong in their faith, because they knew exactly what they had in the Lord.  They continued their work, with the help of the Holy Spirit, of adding people to the Way of the Lord by their preaching, and through their love of all of God’s people.  We, too, must draw strength from the Lord who will be with us until the end of time.  Clothed with the knowledge of truth, we are called to follow the example of Jesus to share with all people all that we have in the Lord, to share with all people the love and goodness and majesty of our God.  For we know, just as the Pharisee Gamaliel stated, the will of God will prevail.  Thy Kingdom come!

The apostles were committed to following the mission which Jesus had assigned them.  They were not going to let anything get in the way of preaching the good news of salvation.  They were not going to let anything get in the way of Jesus’ directive to baptize the people of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  It is clear from reading the Acts of the Apostles that there would be sorrow and hardship for them, but because they were faithful to the call of the Lord, he was always with them.  He would always be there to make a way for them.  As good Christian people we are also called to be faithful to the Lord, no matter the circumstances.  We are called to be faithful to his call that we share the good news that we have heard, that we share with others his love and mercy.  If we are faithful in the call we receive the Lord will be powerfully present in what we strive to accomplish in his name.  There may be trials and hardship.  There may be times when it will not be easy.  The Lord, however, will always be there.  Our Almighty God will always make a way.

There is no doubt that the disciples were fearful because of all the threats made by the authorities against anyone who continued to speak of Jesus.  They knew that alone they would not be able to continue to be strong in the face of all the opposition that was forming.  They knew, however, that they had gained power and strength from the anointing they had received by the power of the Holy Spirit, so now they prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue to empower them, and give them the grace to boldly continue to proclaim Jesus Christ.  We, too, must continually pray for boldness and courage in our call to be Christians.  We must also realize that alone we will be unable to stand strong in the face of temptation and the secularism we live with in this modern society.  Our strength is in the Lord.  He has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit to keep us strong.  Let us call on the power of the Holy Spirit as we strive to live bold Christian lives in the love and light of our God.

The love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit so filled Peter and John that there was nothing that could stop them from proclaiming the kingdom of God to all people.  The authority of the Religious Leaders meant nothing to them, for they considered only the call of Jesus to preach the kingdom to the ends of the earth.  They were sharing with others what the Lord had done for them, and how he was continuing to work in their lives and in the world.  The enthusiasm and authority with which they preached encouraged the people to take a closer look, and in the end added many to the faith.  Each of us has a story to tell about how we have experienced God in our lives.  The Lord has done great things for us.  We are called to share all that we have experienced in Jesus with others in our lives.  When we open ourselves fully to the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit there will be nothing that can stop us.  Those with whom we share the message of hope and salvation will be encouraged to take a closer look, where they may become more open to the life changing power of God in their lives.  We pray for the grace to follow the example of Peter and John; that we never count the cost in human terms of following the way of the Lord, and that we are able to boldly share with others the love and mercy we experience in the Lord.

In the questioning of Peter and John concerning the healing of the crippled beggar, St. Luke again calls our attention to the fact that the apostles and disciples were very ordinary people.  The Religious Leaders came to this conclusion immediately in talking to them.  They were amazed at the boldness of the apostles, as well as what a powerful effect they were having on the crowd.  The answer was right in front of them, but because they did not want to see, they were blind to the power of Jesus working in the disciples of Jesus.  Their own interests were of more importance to them than having open minds and hearts to what was happening around them.  We are called to remain open to all of the ways in which the Lord is working in our lives and in our world.  We are cautioned to be sure that our priorities are in order, so that other concerns and interests do not become a barrier to experiencing Jesus in our lives.  The Religious Leaders missed a wonderful opportunity in their lives to experience the love, mercy, and peace of Jesus in their lives.  Let us pray that we are always open to the experience of Jesus, an experience which always brings the great reward of love, mercy, and peace to our lives.

This healing miracle confirms for us the mercy, compassion, and power of Jesus.  It also reflects the truth that Jesus teaches, that all things are done in God’s time and in his way.  It is very probable that Jesus passed this beggar, maybe more than once, as he sat begging at the “Beautiful” gate of the temple.  Yet Jesus did not heal him.  He chose this time to heal the man.  And he chose to heal the man through the prayers of Peter and John.  It is important for us to understand that just as Jesus used Peter and John in this situation, he wants to use each one of us, as he touches and heals his people.  Jesus continues to build up the faith of the church through the powerful signs that he continues to work in our world through those who are open to being his instruments.  We are called to be always open, as we never know when the Lord will choose to use us as he ministers to his people.  This reading should also bring us hope as we face trials and suffering in our lives.  In this reading we come to understand that Jesus is always with us, that he has compassion on us for all that we are called to endure, and that he will heal us in his time and in his way.  Praise You Lord!

As the Christian faith began to grow the leaders knew the importance of remaining together.  Together the people would be able to learn about the way of the Lord more easily.  Together they could also help each other, and strengthen each other as they all grew in their faith.  While in today’s society most of us do not live a communal life, the idea of community must still be a very important part of our spiritual growth.  It is in community where we learn the way of the Lord.  It is in community where our faith is strengthened and affirmed in a world that is becoming so secular.  It is when we try to go it on our own that we are more vulnerable to the attack of sin and temptation, the attack of worldly ways.  As Christians we are a part of one Body, the Body of Christ.  We are called to remain strong members of his Body.  Being a part of a good Christian community helps us to remain close to the Lord.  Our faith has a chance to flourish and remain strong.  We greatly enhance our promise to remain vibrant members of the Body of Christ.

The call of God to his people remains the same today as it was when Peter first made his speech on the day of the first Pentecost.  We are called to participate in the kingdom of God on earth.  We are called to participate in God’s own life in the name of Jesus his Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are called into the love of God through the call of Jesus to repentance.  It is only through repentance that we are forgiven.  It is only through repentance that we are healed.  It is only through repentance that we are made whole in the love and mercy of our God.  As we read of these first thousands who were baptized into the new Christian faith, we become aware of the scope of God’s mercy.  St. Peter called all who had a hand in the death of God’s Son to repent and be healed.  We are called in the same way.  We are called no matter where we are in our walk of faith, no matter what we have done.  Our God will forgive us anything as long as we are repentant, and strive to live our lives more fully in his love for us.  Let us respond today to God’s call to repentance.  Let us rely always on the goodness and mercy of our God.

The Holy Spirit is a life changing force.  We can only imagine the astonishment of the people who were seeing the disciples of the Lord in this new power of the Spirit.  They recognized immediately that something was very different about them.  St. Peter explained that there was no earthly reason for it, but indeed it was the power of God at work through the Holy Spirit, which had been foretold by the prophets.  As we open our lives to the power of the Holy Spirit, we, too, will be changed.  Others will be able to tell that there is something different about us.  As we begin to live our lives in this power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to explain and make known to others that this power is available to all through the promise of God, foretold from the earliest times through the prophets.  We are called to explain, as did St. Peter, that God has sent his Holy Spirit to renew each one of his children, and indeed the face of the earth itself.  The earth is renewed through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Let us be ever mindful of all that we are in Jesus.  Let us live in the power of the Lord through the gift of his Holy Spirit.  Let us proclaim the salvation and glory of the Lord in this new life given through the grace and power of our God.

Jesus Christ came into the world that each of us might be saved.  He won the victory for us.  He redeemed each of us, no matter who we are, no matter what language we speak.  The language of the Lord unites us.  The language of the Lord heals us and makes us whole, giving us hope, and filling our hearts with faith and love.  At this first Pentecost the curse of the tower of Babel was reversed, and all men and women were united in Christ.  They heard the message of salvation as each could understand it.  They were brought to the table of the Lord as each one could comprehend it.  The language of the Lord continues to call each of us by name.  He continues to speak to us in the ways in which we can best understand him.  The language of the Lord co