First Reading - Acts 13:44-52
Gospel - John 14:7-14
There are moments when doing the right thing does not lead to acceptance, but to rejection. We may expect that truth will always be welcomed, yet often it challenges people, and they turn away. The Word of God today reminds us that rejection is not the end of the mission—it can become the beginning of something greater in God’s plan.
In the first reading, Paul the Apostle and Barnabas preach the Word of God boldly. Many people are drawn to their message, but others become jealous and oppose them. Faced with rejection, Paul and Barnabas do not give up. Instead, they declare that since the message has been rejected, they will now turn to the Gentiles.
What seems like failure becomes a new opportunity. The message spreads even further, and many Gentiles receive it with joy. The disciples, despite persecution, are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples about knowing the Father. He tells them that whoever has seen Him has seen the Father. His words and actions reveal God’s very presence.
Jesus then makes a remarkable promise: those who believe in Him will do the works that He does, and even greater works, because He is going to the Father. He assures them that whatever they ask in His name, He will do, so that the Father may be glorified.
Dear friends, these readings invite us to reflect on two important truths: perseverance in mission and confidence in Christ.
First, perseverance. Like Paul and Barnabas, we may face rejection or misunderstanding when we try to live or share our faith. But rejection does not mean failure. God can use it to open new doors and reach new hearts. We are called to remain faithful, not successful in worldly terms.
Second, confidence in Christ. Jesus assures us that we are not alone in our mission. When we act in His name, He works through us. Our strength does not come from ourselves, but from our union with Him.
To know Jesus is to know the Father. To follow Him is to participate in His work. To trust Him is to experience His power.
The question for us today is: how do we respond when we face rejection or difficulty in living our faith? Do we give up, or do we trust that God is still at work?
May we have the courage to persevere, even in the face of opposition. May we deepen our trust in Christ, who works through us. And may our lives become instruments through which God’s love and truth reach others.
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