Daily Readings Reflection for 5/08/10

Reflection on Today’s Daily Readings by Fr. Bertrand Buby, SM

Scripture: May 8. 2010. Lectionary: #290. Acts 16:1-10. Psalm 100:1-2,3.5.
John 15: 18-21.

Many of us keep a personal journal. We may be privy to the diary of Luke
as we come to certain passages where the Evangelist adds what are called
the "we sections" to this story of Paul and his missionary journies.
As we move through the pages of Acts let us pay attention to these "we
sections" which begin with the last line of today's reading at 16:10. The
following are considered to be a part of this literary characteristic of
the Acts of the Apostles (16:10-17; 20:5-8,13-15; 21:1-18;27:1-28:16). In
these passages it seems that the author of Acts (Luke) is probably the one
who accompanies Paul in these passages. Let us presume that from the
tradition that Luke is a companion of Paul. Both of these saints are led
by the Holy Spirit in what they do. This is clear from today's text for St.
Paul and we know that Luke is the Evangelist who has a more developed
portrait of the work and Person of the Holy Spirit in his twofold work.
Paul is also sensitive to his dreams where he learns he is to go to
Macedonia and preach the Gospel there and witness to the Risen Christ.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus is telling his friends that they will be
undergoing some of the same treatment as he does. Hatred and violence will
be part of their lives in their following the commandments of Jesus and
bringing his message to the nations. Just as his words were not respected
by many so too will theirs.

Even though we will not suffering in the same way that they did we will
need to be attuned to the Holy Spirit as Paul and Luke are and we are to be
patient when we are not listened to, or accepted, and sometimes even
rejected. Often we will undergo little trials that we can handle through
patience and love. We can learn from the great patient endurance that Paul
undergoes as we hear and read the Acts of the Apostles. Today we pray for
the gift of discernment to know when the Spirit is urging us and leading us
through the day. We may wish to focus on the virtue of patience throughout
this day and on listening to others or paying attention to those we work
with. Amen. Alleluia.