Scripture:
Acts 16:1-10
John 15:18-21
Reflection:
When I was 20 years old I often read the accounts of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles. I allowed my imagination to run wild as I thought about his travels from city to city. Reading about Paul’s journeys had a huge impact on my way of life. I developed the desire to live my life like his. The Spirit guided my life’s call through the Scriptures. Now I go from city to city preaching the Gospel.
One of the joys of my life was leading a pilgrimage to Greece and some of the cities visited by Paul. Because of a dream, Paul concluded that he was being called to preach the Gospel in Europe. Monday’s reading will continue with his odyssey as he meets a woman named Lydia in Philippi. I had the privilege of presiding at Mass at this riverside spot where the first baptism in Europe occurred. So many cities visited and multitudes touched, all because Paul was open to the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit.
As a province we are faced with many decisions as we delve into restructuring. The Spirit is at work in our council and gatherings. Last night 20 individuals assembled at our retreat center in Houston to discuss relevant issues that would lead to a new retreat theme. It was wonderful to see the Spirit guiding us as we shared. As individuals, we are faced with a multitude of choices every day. I constantly strive for new preaching inspirations, expansion of my TV ministry, and guidance as I write. Paul was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I pray for a deeper openness to the movement of God’s Spirit in us as a province, local community, and as individuals. As he did in the Acts of the Apostles, God’s Spirit continues leading and guiding apostles today.
Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 13 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/