The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we heard about Paul’s journey into Macedonia (modern Greece) and his conversion of Lydia and her household. The new convert, Lydia, later offered hospitality to Paul and his companions. Her house becomes a house of prayer and a springboard for the mission.
Lydia received the gift of the gospel from Paul, then she offered the gift of hospitality to Paul in return. She was graced by the Lord through Paul, then, she graced Paul and his companions by her offer of a place to stay.
We are reminded that the appropriate response to the experience of being graced is to grace others in return. Having received from the Lord, we give from what we have received.
In the gospel, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. The Paraclete, “Paraklētos” in Greek, come from two Greek words “Para” that is, “close beside” and “kaleō” which means “to call.”
The noun “Paraklētos” means, literally, one called alongside. The verb “parakalein” means “to call alongside” or “to summon.”
William Barclay explains: “The word paraklētos really means someone who is called in; ….. A paraklētos might be a person called in to give witness in a law court in someone’s favor; he might be an advocate called in to plead someone’s cause when someone was under a charge which would issue in serious penalty; he might be called in to give advice in some difficult situation…….”
The Holy Spirit has various titles because of His work with us. The Holy Spirit is called in to be our teacher, advocate, helper, comforter, counselor, protector, guide, and leader.
As we carry out the ministry of Jesus, amid persecutions, the Holy Spirit is always by our side, never leaves us.
Jesus warns that Christian persecutions cannot be avoided. There is always a price to pay for sticking with Jesus and many people have paid the ultimate cost of their own lives. In our world today, many are still face with daily threats and persecutions in the form of terrorism. Christian churches are been attacked and Christians killed inside their churches. What do we make of the bloodless Christian persecutions taking place in our workplaces, communities, and neighborhoods?
Jesus said that those who do carry out theses horrific and barbaric acts think that they are offering sacrifice to God. But Jesus said, they are wrong. Rather, they kill and destroy because they neither know the Father nor the Son.
We pray that we may have the courage and grace to persevere amid these heinous persecutions, Amen.
Have a wonderful Week
