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God, out of omniscience, has given us things in life that may challenge our abilities to handle them, as well as situations that we cannot control. May the Teacher of True Knowing illumine our minds and spirits with the wisdom to know the difference between what we can "handle" and what we can "control." We will then learn the peace that nurtures spiritual life, and passes all our
understanding.
- David Rice, ObJ
(How do you understand this distinction between handle and control? How do you experience these in your life at this time?
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Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Jn 3:16-21
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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“Go out now and take your place in the temple precincts and preach to the people all about this new life.” —Acts 5:20
The readings this week have been talking about being “born again,” begotten from above (see Jn 3:5). Just as an infant needs to be taught how to live in a new world, so “newborn” Christians need to be nurtured and taught. Thus, the angel commands the apostles to teach “the people all about this new life” (Acts 5:20).
Parents, do you remember when your newborn infant was delivered in the hospital room? The baby had never seen any light. Out of compassion, the hospital staff kept the lights dim in the birthing room, for even a dim light caused the infant to close its eyes tightly. The infant prefers darkness to light (see Jn 3:19). Infants need time, love, and instruction in order to adjust to living in the
light.
Today’s Gospel proclaims that those living without Jesus prefer the darkness, even if the darkness makes them miserable (Jn 3:20). Potential Christians likewise need time, love, and instruction in order to learn how to live in the light. A doctor “delivers” a newborn infant. In a similar way, you are called to a “deliverance” ministry. The Lord is sending you to be like the medical personnel and hospital staff. You
may be called to teach, mentor, love, or simply to keep a dim light present in a person’s life so they can learn to gradually adjust their spiritual eyes to a seemingly frightening world of light (see Is 9:1). Therefore, go out and take your place and teach the people all about this new life (see Acts 5:20).
Prayer: Father, use me to bring thousands of people “from darkness into [Your] marvelous light” (1 Pt 2:9).
Promise: “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” —Jn 3:17
Presentation Ministries
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Growing in Inner Freedom: A Guide for Today
- by Philip St. Romain. Liguori Publ., 1986.
38. Learn to Wait Patiently
Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward.
You need patience to do God’s will and receive what he has promised (Heb. 10:35-36).
The Scriptures often speak of God’s patience with us (see Romans 9:22; 15:4; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Peter 3:15). If God ever decided to demand total justice from us—to give us each our rightful due—many of us would be in deep trouble. Instead, he is patient with us, ever waiting for us to change our lifestyles.
We need patience as we wait for God to give his gifts in his own good time. Impatience is generally a sign of selfishness: we want action right now. But the example of Jesus demonstrates the rewards of patience. Throughout his Passion, we find him patiently waiting on his Father’s will. When, upon the cross, it became obvious that he would have to trust patiently unto death, he cried out in anguish. He then commended his spirit into the hands of the Father.
Having thus completely emptied himself through patient waiting and obedience, his Father “highly exalted him” so that the whole world would recognize him as the Lord of Life and the faithful Servant of the Father’s Kingdom (see Philippians 2:6-11).
We, too, must wait patiently for God's gifts. But as we wait, remember that we already have everything we need to do his will right now. Therefore, we should be patient with ourselves and be grateful for all that we do have.
Suggested Practices
- When you are tempted to become impatient, ask for the grace of patient acceptance.
- Each day pray the Serenity Prayer.
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