Keep watch over the whole flock the Holy Spirit as appointed you as overseers

Acts 20:28-38, Jn 17:11-19. In today's first reading, Paul challenges the early Church leaders to remain true to their faith and be strong despite the challenges and trials that they might encounter in their lives and in their community: "Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers" (Acts 20:28). Conviction and commitment are revealed in his words as he urges the elders to do the same: "You know for yourselves that I worked with my own hands to support myself and my companions. In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” With this assertion, Paul made us to understand that one of the benefits of work is to enable us to help people weaker than ourselves. As leaders, we are challenged to serve, not exploit them and to build up the community.

Despite the difficulties facing the Church, we are encouraged to live joyfully, for Jesus intends us to share in His joy. Trusting in Him fits us well enough to face whatever the future may bring. He shared with them the story of his own faith and actions and how God had been with him even through the most challenging and difficult moments. He equally reminds the faithful that while there would indeed be trials to come, but the Lord’s promised inheritance and true happiness would be well worth all the sufferings. He enjoined them to remember the example of manual labour and of tireless preaching of the Gospel he gave as a model for them. In today's Gospel, Jesus encourages His disciples to remain strong for they will be hated by the world and there would be trials that they would have to face as they remain faithful to Him. However, these circumstances should not be source of worry as the Lord prayed over them that they would be consecrated in the truth, strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  

May the Lord be our inspiration and strength and give us the courage to reach out to others with love at every opportunities available to us! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!