Come to Macedonia to help us

Acts 16:1-10, Jn 15:18-21. Goodness is said to be contagious. Attracted by this fraternity, the saints in Macedonia became partakers of love-sharing. In today's first reading, Paul and his companions wasted no time in crossing over to nurture and animate the young faith therein. Communion of God’s children remains the live-wire of the entire 'Body of Christ'. For the sake of the communion of the people of God the disciples travelled from city to city: handed on to the people the decisions reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem. They were spurred on by undaunted spirit of God’s love for each other – readily embarking on long journeys. Only this fraternal sharing explains the wonderful growth in faith and increase in their number.

Like Paul and companions, we may encounter many good things and good opportunities in our journey of faith but let us not forget that there will also be challenges, trials and difficulties that we will have to endure throughout our journey of life, because of the opposition and incompatibility with the ways of the world. In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us not to be swayed by the comforts and pleasures of the world, that the world and its ways are not fully compatible with the ways of the Lord and if we decide to follow the Lord and respond to His call, we may encounter persecution, oppression, or at least obstacles and challenges in our way. The 'world' refers to the world of sin, the world under the dominion and control of the evil one and 'the world' that is contrary to the Gospel value. That is why, ‘the world’ will probably try to persuade us and even coerce us to turn away from God’s path and embrace the path of sin and darkness. We must not fear them, for the Lord is always by our side, guiding our path and providing us with whatever we need and He is always ever faithful to the Covenant that He has established with us.

May the Lord strengthen our faith, help us to commit ourselves to His cause and do His will at all times! Amen!! Stay safe and have a happy weekend!!!