For many, this Easter season has been fantastic. Others have been discouraged. They may feel like St. Paul after his failure at Athens. When Paul started speaking to the Athenians about Jesus' Resurrection, some interrupted and sneered at him. Others brushed him off, telling him to come back some other time (Acts 17:32). Although a few did become believers, this was the worst response in the Bible to Paul's preaching of the Gospel.
You may also feel like a failure. You may feel like quitting and going back into the fishing business with St. Peter (Jn 21:3) or tent-making with Paul (Acts 18:3). The Lord is not calling you to quit His ministry but quit your discouragement (2 Cor 4:1).
"For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you. The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly Spirit, but rather One that makes us strong, loving, and wise" (2 Tm 1:6-7). The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete, Helper, Advocate, the One at our side. We need not focus on circumstances around us but on the Spirit within us. We don't need to change churches, ministries, or spouses. We need the Holy Spirit.
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for turning even my failures to Your honor and glory. |
| PROMISE: | "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now." –Jn 16:12 |
| PRAISE: | St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi said, "You will be consoled according to the greatness of your sorrow and affliction; the greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward." |
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