Breaking the Word

6^th week in Easter Time, Friday – 19^th May 2023 – Acts 18,9-18; Jn 16,20-23

Great Guidance  

In the first reading, Paul is in Corinth continuing his missionary work. Jesus had appeared to Paul in visions several times during his ministry. First at his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9,5), then when he returns to Jerusalem (Acts 22,17-18). In Troas, Paul had a vision telling him to go to Macedonia (Acts 16,9). After his arrest in Jerusalem, Jesus will reassure him that he will go to Rome (Acts 23,11). In today’s reading, Paul receives encouragement in a vision in which the Lord tells him to keep speaking out. The Lord tells him to stay because in this vile, sinful, pagan city there are many friends who belong to him and no harm will come to him. So, Paul stays in the city for eighteen months preaching the Good News. During this time, he was protected by the Lord. However, when some Jews in the city who had opposed him, brought Paul to the civil court accusing of telling people to worship against the law, the proconsul rejected their charges as irrelevant religious squabbles. In those 18 months, Paul had extremely fruitful ministry because of which many found their way to Christ. He wrote two wonderful letters that served not only the Corinthian Church, but also the other early churches to address their problems and conflicts. These letters are still relevant in a great way to follow Christ.

6^th week in Easter Time, Thursday – 18^th May 2023 – Acts 18,1-8; Jn 16,16-20

Household Testimony

In the first reading, Paul leaves Athens and travels to Corinth. The synagogue in Corinth had heard enough from Paul. He was there for several weeks and months to explain to them about how Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. He met some Jews and made friends with them who also practiced the trade of tent-making. At the same time, his message was not equally received by other Jews. They oppose and revile him, and he responds by relieving himself of responsibility for them. Fortunately, some do believe him. First, Stephanus and his family (1 Cor 16,15). Justus not only believes, he offers his home as an alternate meeting place. Crispus, the ruler of the Synagogue, too believes in Jesus with his family. These families provide a testimony against household salvation: the belief that if the head of a household is saved, the rest of the family is automatically saved.