Reflection for Monday
of the 6th Week of Easter
(Acts 16:11-15; Jn
15:26—16:4)
Have you ever felt persecuted? This
may happen where someone is on the lookout for your faults, or dislike your
personality. It can come when someone is angry when you are happy and happy
when you are sad! Persecution often comes when people want to impose their religion, ideologies and ways of life on others. Jesus tells us in the
Gospel that those who persecute others do so from strong conviction. “Indeed
the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to
God.” Yes, most abuse of power comes in the name of fighting corruption,
correcting wrong, protecting common interest, etc. Those who hate you do so in
the name of something else they love!
At what point does one’s good
intention for the service of God or the good turn out to become persecution? This
is when one acts in the name of God but not of God. Such action is not inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
That is why we need the Holy Spirit to discern deeply, for good intention is
not enough; we must choose our actions wisely and timely.
The Holy Spirit comes to bear
witness; to witness to the truth that is Jesus. Today Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the
Counsellor” and “the Spirit of truth.” He takes our faith to that depth where
persecution cannot reach. Since persecution is not of God, it cannot hurt that
which is kept secure in the Spirit of God. “Blessed are those who are
persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Mt
5:10). “But I say this to you: offer no resistance to the wicked...” (Mt
5:38-42).
We cannot stand for the truth of
Jesus Christ without some opposition. By promising us the Counsellor, Jesus teaches us that persecution is an opportunity to bear witness. Hence, persecution makes the believer stronger
not weaker. So whoever is alive in the Holy Spirit will always produce positive
actions even in the heat of persecution. That is why our intentions and actions
must be of God. We must remain focused
on our vocation and daily responsibilities, just as Paul and his companions did
despite the persecutions they faced. There is no time for grudge or revenge.
Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the complete truth. Amen.
Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic
Church
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday May 18th, 2020.
