For example, after Sts. Paul and Silas were arrested, stripped, flogged, and put into maximum security (Acts 16:22-24), the natural reaction would be for them to feel sorry for themselves. However, they focused on God rather than themselves, as they prayed and sang hymns into the night (Acts 16:25). Then when an earthquake made it possible for Paul and Silas to easily escape, they didn't run away, as might be expected. They didn't think this was their only chance for freedom, so they stayed in jail and converted the jailer and his family (Acts 16:28ff). When Paul and Silas were released from jail later that day, they refused to go until the Philippian magistrates personally escorted them out of jail (Acts 16:35ff). Paul and Silas were audaciously bold, supremely confident, and deeply focused on the Lord. Because they were raised with Christ through Baptism (Col 3:1), they thought "on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:2).
Are you living the risen life of faith? Are your desires and thoughts new and transformed? Do you have the desires and mind of Christ? Are you living your Baptism? Live the Resurrection now.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I abide in, reside in, and live in Jesus. |
| PROMISE: | "I tell you the sober truth: it is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you." –Jn 16:7 |
| PRAISE: | "But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament" (Dn 12:3). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College