Saturday 2nd May – Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop &.Doctor

Reflection: Acts 13:44-52

DON’T STOP, KEEP MOVING!

“My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials” Sirach 2:1

As long as you commit yourself to living in obedience and doing God’s work, you are bound to encounter opposition. Such was the plight of St. Athanasius, whose memorial we celebrate today. He was the Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. During Athanasius’ reign as Bishop, he encountered great opposition from those who propagated a heresy known as Arianism (they were opposed to the doctrine of the Trinity). He stood firm in defending and preaching the truth about Christ’s divinity and by God’s grace, paved way for First Council of Nicaea, where the heresy was debunked and the truth of the Trinity affirmed.

In today’s reading, we see the apostles Paul and Barnabas being opposed when they stood out to preach the gospel to the people of Antioch in Pisidia. Scripture records here that in the midst of opposition, they stood firm and spoke out even more boldly about the faith they professed. Such should be our disposition when we encounter opposition in any aspect of our lives. Rather than allow yourself to be weighed down, say to yourself “I must keep moving” Rely solely on the grace of God, and you will overcome at the end.

PRAYER: Ask the Lord to fill you with His divine power so that you may not give up in difficult times.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC2471: “…In situations that require witness to the faith, the Christian must profess it without equivocation, after the example of Paul before his judges.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Philippians 4: 13 GNB

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 98:1-4; John 14:7-14