5th week in Easter Time, Saturday – 13th May 2023 – Acts 16,1-10; Jn 15,18-21
Led by the Spirit
Paul and Silas started their second missionary journey through the province of Galatia to spread Jesus’ offer of salvation in Asia. They are accompanied by Timothy, a future church leader. In their journey, Paul was very much aware of the Spirit’s guidance. In today’s reading we find that Paul was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” A few verses later, we find that he could not go into another direction because, “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow.” Instead the Holy Spirit redirected the trio to Macedonia, into an unknown mission. Between the conflict of being of the world and being guided by the Spirit, Paul chose the way of the Spirit, for he knew that all the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are bestowed upon all believers. The Spirit always leads to the Father and to listen to the Word of God.
