In today’s first reading, Acts 5: 34-42, Gamaliel, a
Pharisee in the Sanhedrin, says to those who had arrested the Apostles: “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what
you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to
be someone important, and about 400 men joined him, but he was killed, and all
those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing….…[H]ave nothing
to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is
of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not
be able to destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God.”
What a statement! And something for each of us to
consider. If what I am, or anyone else, is doing is of human origin, it will destroy
itself. It will not last. It will fade and disappear. If it is of divine
origin, nothing will destroy it. If you or I act against it, we will be acting against
God. If you or I fight it, we will be fighting God Himself.
Lord, may I have the courage today to examine what I am
doing. Are my activities flowing from your will or are they originating from my
will? Are they of human or divine
origin? As I look around the world today, Lord,
instead of getting all upset about
things of human origin may I be reminded of what Gamaliel said to his fellow
Israelites. May I also have “the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to
change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
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