Readings and Reflections for Friday 22 May 2020

Acts 18: 9 – 18            Psalm 47 : 1 – 6            John 16 : 20 – 24 

Paul is still in Corinth. Though Paul’s missionary work is going well, he faces many challenges.  We see the Lord comforting Paul through a vision.  This is just one of three visions of the Lord, which Paul is said to have had.  Jesus uses the words “Be not afraid.”   You don’t tell a person “Don’t be afraid” unless they are afraid.  Paul had good cause to be afraid. As we have read, his reception in Europe had not been friendly and Corinth was a really tough city. Christ through this vision speaks to his fears, offers comfort and guidance for his ministry. 

The other times when Jesus spoke to Paul in visions, were also to encourage him. 

1. When he was in prison in Jerusalem after the great disappointment of having his witness rejected. 2. They had been at sea in a storm for fourteen days and had feared for their lives. There again the Lord said, fear not.

Paul stays in the city for eighteen months preaching the Good News. 

When we read of the great achievements of Paul in preaching the gospel, we are prone to think of him in super human terms, but he was just as human as we are. Paul to faced many fears, challenges and struggles. 

As we continue we listen to the Hymn : Be Thou my Vision

 Just as Paul was led and protected by God, so the Lord speaks to us and leads us in so many ways.  Through visions, through the lives of people we interact with, in our silence and in the rush of our lives. 

Are we listening? 

Are we able to hear God, through the noise that drowns out the sound of Gods voice?  Is our vision blurred as we struggle to see a way out, or a way through the these struggles we find ourselves in?

Do we recognise the humanness of Christ in our lives, as we celebrate success, joy, happiness and life? 

We just need to look into our own lives at this time. The many conflicting reports that we read and hear around the Corona Virus, the regulations that have been put in place for our safety, either bring fear or worry or that rebellious streak that we thought we had put to rest. 

Jesus recognises our fears just as he did Paul’s. He speaks to the fear.  “Be not afraid: go on with your preaching and do not be silenced.  I am with you…….” 

Christ is our vision and we are offered new sight in and through him.

Let us Pray : 

 O God you reveal yourself in love:

pour into our hearts such love towards you,

that we, loving you in all things and above all things.

may obtain your promises.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

one God now and forever.

Amen