Monday 19th May – Monday of the 5th week of Easter

Reflection: Acts 14: 5-18

BEWARE OF SELF GLORIFICATION

God in his graciousness has given believers in Him the grace to do marvelous things beyond human explanation like working of miracles, healing, unimaginable expression of love, etc. It is this grace that was revealed through Paul and Barnabas at Lystra when they healed a crippled man who had been lame from birth. As children of God, when God gives us the ability to do great things, there is a tendency that other humans will want to glorify us for the things that God has done or is doing through us.

Just like the apostles today, we must act with understanding not to incur the wrath of God by taking the glory that belongs to Him (Deuteronomy 6:15). We need to enlighten others that every good gifts comes from God (James 1:17). We mortals are like instruments in His hands (2 Timothy 2:20-21), so all the glory must be returned to God.

It is idolatrous to glorify ourselves in the good things that God is doing through us and to refuse to return all praises to Him. Idolatry amounts to rebellion against God. This is evil in God’s sight, and it is capable of bringing down God’s wrath upon whosoever engages in it!

Prayer: Heavenly father, give me the grace to always return all glory to you especially when you do marvellous things through me. Amen.

HIDE A TREASURE: “But he has always given evidence of his existence by the good things he does: he gives you rain from heaven and crops at the right times; he gives you food and fills your heart with happiness.” Acts 14: 17 GNB

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 97 – Are the Jews guilty of Jesus’ death?

No one can assign collective guilt for the death of Jesus to the Jews. Instead, the Church professes with certainty that all sinners share in the guilt for Jesus’ death.

Readings: Acts 14:5-18; Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16; John 14:21-26