Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter
Acts 16:1-10 | Psalm 99:1-3, 5 | John 15:18-21
[Paul and Timothy] travelled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, having been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia. When they reached the frontier of Mysia they thought to cross it into Bithynia, but as the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them, they went through Mysia and came down to Troas. (Acts 16:6-8)
It might seem odd at first that the Holy Spirit would stand in the way of Christian evangelism, particularly with such a erudite and persuasive apostle at the helm. A modern COO making a similar corporate decision would probably be summarily dismissed for gross incompetence.
However, Christianity did spread even to the areas skipped by this missionary juggernaut, so we can only conclude that God’s plan for Asia Minor and Bithynia did not include St. Paul. To his credit, he yielded to the Spirit’s urgings, turning his attention to Macedonia and continental Europe, returning eventually to Asia Minor at a later date.
Too, my early childhood plans involved joining the priesthood, no doubt inspired by the great personage that was Fr. Louis Fossion. Obviously, those plans fell to matrimony and secular work, but I still serve the Lord in ministry, and the day may yet come when I join the clergy. In the meantime, I’ll continue to let the Spirit guide my blog entries, and perhaps take some inspiration thereof on future life directions.
Something to ponder, dear reader: Has the Spirit thrown up unexpected roadblocks in your path? In what direction is the Spirit tugging you now? How are you responding to its urgings?
Lord, open our hearts to your Spirit, our ears to your Holy Word, and our hands and feet to your continuing work here on earth. Amen.