SATURDAY, 18-5-2013, 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31/ John 21: 20-25


Dearly beloved in Christ, in our readings today, our attention is drawn towards three characters and their unique roles. That is, the trio of Paul, Peter and John. In our first reading, Paul narrated his trials and tribulations to the people. How he was moved here and there, and how he wasn't given a fair hearing. Nonetheless, even as he was experiencing this storm in his life, he never ceased in his missionary work. The concluding part of that text tells us that, "he proclaimed the kingdom of and taught the truth about our lord Jesus with all boldness and without hindrance" what is it my dear friends that prevents us from the proclamation of God's kingdom? Sometimes we wallow in our past that we do not see the good in the future, Sometimes we are so keen looking at a closed door that we do not see the new one God has opened and we allow these various situations to truncate our duties towards God.  We are called this morning and indeed always, to emulate this missionary spirit even in our own trying times. Let us like St.Paul ensure that we keep bringing Christ to other people even when the ground is not smooth for us. Bearing in mind that the proclamation of God's good news may not always win us friends or favors. Paul had his fair share.
Peter in our Gospel reading today was so curious about the fate of John, and then Christ told him to focus on his own mission as a shepherd. do we often compare ourselves with others or do we become green with envy at seeing those who seem fortunate than we are? we all have different task and function allotted to us by the father. John unlike St.Peter, did not die a horrible and violent death, he was a witness and that's God's purpose for him. We all have a purpose for which God created us. Some of us missionaries, some shepherds, while some are witnesses. A place for everybody and everybody in his place. Irrespective of wherever we find ourselves, what is of utmost importance is that, we must be worthy ministers and Christians. Let us therefore, move out of our comfort zone in the service of God. May God Grant us the grace to be delighted in the lot marked out for us. Amen