Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
One should take a deep breath and consider carefully the possible ramifications before one prays, “Thy Will be done.” For control freaks, this will be very difficult.
St. Paul and Barnabas experienced great success in Antioch, where the community embraced the Good News and were called Christians. Now in a different Antioch (in Pisidia) they were met “with jealousy and violent abuse.” No doubt they were disappointed, but they never wavered in their mission as shepherds. If one flock refuses to listen, through the exercise of free will, there are other flocks to seek.
Considering all the trials that St. Paul endured in his ministry, it is a marvel he did not lose hope. The challenges of entering a new place, preaching the Gospel, and possibly succeeding must have been thrilling. To learn later that the same community was breaking up into factions must have been disheartening.
He knew all along that he was an instrument. The ministry was always about Jesus, not Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. “Thy Will be done” is prayed with trust and confidence in the Good Shepherd.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections