Scripture:
Reflection:
Today’s first reading from Acts begins with a crowd wanting to murder Paul and Barnabas and ends with another crowd wanting to worship them like gods. This is a dramatic illustration of the fickle nature of human respect. Every person has had experiences with this inescapable reality, but perhaps none more so than those devoutly seeking to live the Christian life. In some circumstances, we are mocked and even hated for moral stances that are labelled “out of touch” or “intolerant.” At other times, we are lauded for our charitable acts and patient acceptance of others. Unfortunately, despite how capricious it can be, we often allow the pursuit of human respect to dictate our choices. When we remain silent when God’s laws are being disrespected, we put the opinions of men over divine truths. When we do good works to get praise from men rather than to give praise to God, human respect has become our god.
In the Gospel, Jesus makes it very clear that He wants us to follow His commands for love of HIM. If love for Christ is our motivation for all we do, it matters very little what the crowds think. If we seek only the promise that loving obedience will result in Jesus and the Father coming and making their dwelling with us, both worldly rewards and derisions are meaningless in comparison.
Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory! Amen.
Megan Silas is a Lay Passionist at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.