The Power of the Spirit at Work

In today’s first reading, Acts 14: 5-18, Paul and Barnabas are in a dangerous situation and consequently relocate.  That is an important message for all of us. We need to be alert to times when we, too, are in a situation in which we are in danger or stuck. Are we where we will be able to meet our goals? Are we where we will thrive in the Lord, doing that to which God is calling us?  And, if not, what is holding us back from taking action?

The “dangerous” situation could be coming from within, that is, from negative attitudes, from a critical, judgmental self, attitudes of inferiority and low self-esteem. To accomplish what we are capable of becoming because of Baptism—dying to sin and rising to new life with Christ—and Confirmation in which we were given the same Spirit that transformed the disciples from cowards into bold men and women, from “I-can’t” to “I-can” persons.  Following the descent of the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly assumed their responsibility to spread the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, even though, around them, was the threat of imprisonment and death.  They knew what they could do empowered by the Spirit of Christ, the Power that raised Jesus from the dead.  What about you and me? Is our faith that strong and active in our lives?  Or are we cowering from that of which we are afraid?

In this same reading, Paul and Barnabas challenged a cripple not to be afraid but to stand up and walk. May we stand up to our potential as followers of Christ.