Daily Meditation - Saturday 10May - BOAST IN YOUR AFFLICTIONS!

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BarbaraTherese

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Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4, 5, 7
John 21:20-25

Meditation
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=5&day=10&year=2008&x=12&y=5
Acts 28:16-20,30-31

In this final chapter of the Book of Acts, we see St. Paul near the end of his life.
He has at last made it to Rome, after surviving storms, shipwrecks, and even a poisonous snakebite!
  • We might imagine that this dynamic preacher was humiliated at having to spend two years under house arrest.
  • But that didn’t stop Paul from proclaiming the gospel.
  • First he witnessed to the Jewish leaders,
  • and then to whoever came to visit.
  • And he did so “with complete assurance and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31).
He didn’t act like someone who was defeated—in fact, he had never been stronger!

Paul’s spiritual maturity was not something he achieved overnight
  • but the fruit of a lifetime lived for Christ.
  • To his zeal, God added confidence,
  • as he witnessed miracle after miracle
  • and saw how his needs were always provided for.
  • Through his willingness to cooperate with the Holy Spirit
  • and follow wherever Jesus led him,
  • Paul saw his faith deepen and become steadier.
  • What seemed effortless to those around him
  • *** actually came from decades of obedience and perseverance.***
  • Sometimes we imagine that we need a conversion experience as dramatic as Paul’s
  • —something that will turn us into super-Christians.
  • But just as Paul did, we too have to take one step at a time—
  • and some of those steps may be painful!
As Paul told the Romans, “We even boast of our afflictions,
  • knowing that affliction produces endurance,
  • and endurance,
  • proven character,
  • and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3-5).
We don’t have to feel on top of the world
to know that God is working
out his purpose in our lives!
  • Paul’s life ended in martyrdom, but we don’t read about this in Acts.
  • Why not?
  • Because Acts is the story of the church, not just one apostle. And that story isn’t over yet!
  • The church is a work in progress,
  • and our call to spread the good news
  • is just as urgent as it was for Paul.
  • We’re also “saints under construction,”
  • and as each of us grows in our relationship with Jesus,
  • we can help to make his people ready for the day he returns.
Let’s ask the Father for his continued grace, so that we can truly become mature sons and daughters. “Holy Spirit, fill me with your power.
Give me the strength to press onward in faith,
so I can become a living testament to your love.”
 
Listen to the WORD
In today’s Gospel (John 21:20-25), we have this excerpt:
There are also many other things that Jesus did [addition - and **said
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], but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

In the creation story (Genesis 1) God SPOKE and it happened (example: Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light)

In John 1:14, we have: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” The WORD became flesh was JESUS!!!

We believe in the triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God SPOKE and it came into being. If we can imagine Jesus’ ministry, he SPOKE and it happened. Tradition is that Jesus’ ministry was about 3 years - and in that three years, he spoke a lot that is recorded and a lot that was not recorded. God’s word (and Jesus’ word) is powerful - and created the universe. Hebrews 4:12 says "Indeed, the WORD [emphasis added] of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. "

Therefore, we NEED to listen to GOD’s WORD - either in the flesh (when God speaks to us through prayer or the Holy Spirit in our hearts); or from the written account of God’s word (the Bible); or from the word proclaimed by our priests in homilies. Psalm 119:11 says: “I have hidden your WORD [emphasis added] in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

:signofcross: May God’s WORD be in our hearts, may our ears hear and heed His WORD - including the WORD made FLESH - that is - JESUS in the EUCHARIST!!!
 
Dear Barb,
Is accepting our afflictions O.K.?
I mean I don’t think I’m ready to start running around bragging about being unemployed.
That would sound weird.
God really has given me a thankful attitude toward my circumstances because of the good he has brought to me through them.

I’m still praying for a job though, soon would be nice.
 
I think accepting your afflictions doesn’t mean that you can’t pray for something good…such as your needing a job. People were meant to work. That’s in the Bible somewhere; I don’t know where. I think what Barb is saying is that our afflictions help us to grow in character and spirit - spiritually closer to the Lord. Through our trials we are tested by fire - made stronger! Therefore, we “boast” from our afflictions due to the closeness we gain spiritually. I think that’s something along the line of what Barb may be saying???😃
 
sawman said:
Dear Barb,
Is accepting our afflictions O.K.?
I mean I don’t think I’m ready to start running around bragging about being unemployed.
That would sound weird.
God really has given me a thankful attitude toward my circumstances because of the good he has brought to me through them.

I’m still praying for a job though, soon would be nice.
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Hi there Sawman…Interesting point. St. Paul certainly did boast most outspokenly of all that he had and was suffering for The Lord but we live in a different time and also under different circumstances and most of us are not called to preach; As Jesus said “be as gentle as a lamb and as cunning as a serpent” (I hope I am quoting Him right but I know it was along those lines, and will dig out references and the correct quote if you or anyone would like them).
I think to say today "I am unemployed and I love God and am a faithful Catholic " and being as direct as a St. Paul, would simply draw blank looks in our times of “Yeah, so what, mate?”. However I am a student and certainly they know something of my journey with mental illness and also that I believe in God and am a faithful Catholic…but I haven’t actually put it to them as “I suffer mental illness and I believe in God and am a faithful Catholic”. I let them come to their own conclusions too, rather than any direct boast. I know that at least one fellow student who was outspokenly anti Catholic now goes very quiet if my Catholicism should enter into the conversation somehow…quiet and thoughtful. I plant seeds, and I let The Lord water them and bring forth fruit if that is His Will. “One man sows and another reaps” (another quote I will dig out the reference to if you would like it). My now deceased director (priest) said to me before he died “Go through life, Girl, merrily planting your seeds, and dont you hang around to see what happens, willya?” I never do…he always called me “Girl” for the 15 years or so he was my director/confessor…never ever anything else.

Yes, I think one should boast of one’s afflictions…but be as gentle as a lamb and as cunning as a sheep and “plant your seeds” where and how you discern it may do the most good…and dont hang around to see what happens. But never abandon common sense and if it seems wise to hang around, do so.

I hope that may answer your query in some way. If not, do come back to me again, and I will try again.

Blessings and regards…Barb:)
 
mom4truth said:
I think accepting your afflictions doesn’t mean that you can’t pray for something good…such as your needing a job. People were meant to work. That’s in the Bible somewhere; I don’t know where. I think what Barb is saying is that our afflictions help us to grow in character and spirit - spiritually closer to the Lord. Through our trials we are tested by fire - made stronger! Therefore, we “boast” from our afflictions due to the closeness we gain spiritually. I think that’s something along the line of what Barb may be saying???😃
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Hi again Mom4Truth!.👍 …We can and should embrace our afflictions and to ask if it is God’s Will to be relieved of them. Nothing that happens to us is outside His Will for us - nothing…all the good, the bad and the ugly.
St. Paul says that those who refuse to work should not be allowed to eat.:o

And for sure, affliction with the right attitude towards them will hope as to grow as a person as perhaps nothing else…and grow closer to the Lord too. I often wonder if The Lord ever tests us since He knows the outcome - rather that He strengthens us in affliction. “As gold is tested in fire, so the servants of God are tested in the crucible of suffering” (Old Testament somewhere and again will dig out references if you would like them).

So yes, your post does insight “boasting of affliction” and from an angle that I had not considered. Thank you!👍

Blessings and regards…Barb:)
 
bwhite06517 said:
Listen to the WORD

In today’s Gospel (John 21:20-25), we have this excerpt:

In the creation story (Genesis 1) God SPOKE and it happened (example: Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light)

In John 1:14, we have: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” The WORD became flesh was JESUS!!!

We believe in the triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God SPOKE and it came into being. If we can imagine Jesus’ ministry, he SPOKE and it happened. Tradition is that Jesus’ ministry was about 3 years - and in that three years, he spoke a lot that is recorded and a lot that was not recorded. God’s word (and Jesus’ word) is powerful - and created the universe. Hebrews 4:12 says "Indeed, the WORD [emphasis added] of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. "

Therefore, we NEED to listen to GOD’s WORD - either in the flesh (when God speaks to us through prayer or the Holy Spirit in our hearts); or from the written account of God’s word (the Bible); or from the word proclaimed by our priests in homilies. Psalm 119:11 says: “I have hidden your WORD [emphasis added] in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

:signofcross: May God’s WORD be in our hearts, may our ears hear and heed His WORD - including the WORD made FLESH - that is - JESUS in the EUCHARIST!!!
Click to expand...
Howdy BW:) …once again I thank you for contributing to these Daily Meditation Posts. Its Saturday evening here and I am about to get ready to go off to Mass:dancing: and so will read your post on my return. But thank you very much yet again…Blessings and my regards…Barb:)
 
Dear Barb and Mom4truth,

I now understand more fully St. Paul’s encouragement.
I am closer to Our Lord now, than maybe ever in my life.
I am stronger in my devotions and desire.
Our Lord has drawn me close to Himself through this trial.
For all this I am very grateful.
I ALMOST don’t want relief because of the fullness and goodness of being next to Him.
I can see a benefit and I thank Him for all of them.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement too!
Peace!
 
sawman said:
Dear Barb and Mom4truth,

I now understand more fully St. Paul’s encouragement.
I am closer to Our Lord now, than maybe ever in my life.
I am stronger in my devotions and desire.
Our Lord has drawn me close to Himself through this trial.
For all this I am very grateful.
I ALMOST don’t want relief because of the fullness and goodness of being next to Him.
I can see a benefit and I thank Him for all of them.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement too!
Peace!
Click to expand...
I am closer to Our Lord now, than maybe ever in my life.
I am stronger in my devotions and desire.
Our Lord has drawn me close to Himself through this trial.
For all this I am very grateful.
Click to expand...
…Deo Gratius Alleluia!👍 …
Zacharias 13
9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined: and I will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say: Thou art my people: and they shall say: The Lord is my God.
 
Thank you very much for your Post, BW HERE

As I was reading, it came to mind the little prayer we say before The Gospel, with its own little liturgy as we make a small cross on our foreheads, on our lips and then on our heart “May The Holy Gospel be forever on my mind, on my lips and in my heart”…it is a little prayer in The Mass that particularly draws me and I try to say it with application each time. Your post reminded me of this little prayer…and again I thank you for your contribution to these Daily Meditation threads…Blessings and my regards…Barb:)
 
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