Sunday 29th June – Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Reflection: Acts 12: 1-11
GOD’S TIMING
“God’s delays are never denials”. For us to be victorious in our Christian journey of faith this truth must resound in our minds and hearts always. God is all-knowing and His ways are indeed far from ours; His thoughts very much above ours. We become victorious Christians when we learn to trust God even in seemingly hopeless situations.
God sometimes seems to act at the very last minute, when all seems lost. Think of the stories of Daniel in the lion’s den, his three friends (Shadrach, Meshech and Abed’nego) being thrown into the furnace, Peter in today’s reading and a host of others. In all these stories, you will find that God seemed to allow the worst to happen before rescuing these righteous ones from the claws of the wicked. In the end, the events each spell out God’s mighty power to save and His control over the forces of nature: lions, fire etc.
God allowed Peter to remain in prison till the night before the trial. Hope was almost lost and even the Church that remained constantly in prayer for Peter did not believe he could still be rescued (Acts 12: 12-16). In what difficult circumstance do you find yourself? What is that request you have been crying to God about for which He seems not to have heard. Beloved, do not be discouraged. His timing is always perfect and He is in control of all forces in Heaven and Earth. Please keep trusting God and praying like the Church did for Peter. A miracle is imminent!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to trust in you always especially in seemingly hopeless situations. May I never give in to doubt and fear. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 507 – What happens if you find that prayer does not help?
Prayer does not seek superficial success but rather the will of God and intimacy with him. God’s apparent silence is itself an invitation to take a step farther—in total devotion, boundless faith, endless expectation. Anyone who prays must allow God the complete freedom to speak whenever he wants, to grant whatever he wants, and to give himself however he wants.

HIDE A TREASURE: “…Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” Mark 11: 25 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Acts 12: 1-11; Psalm 34: 2-9; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8; 17-18; Matthew 16: 13-19