At the outset, an error correction: yesterday's blog's initial scripture citation was not from the gospel of the day but from the second reading, the Letter from St. Peter. Sorry for the misdirection!
Today's first reading reminds us of the events in the life of Paul and Barnabas. They were confronted by locals but Jewish people and Gentiles who attacked them with stones. Obviously their teaching of what Jesus had taught them of God's will was too much.
What I propose for your consideration is this: try to realize what these men were enduring yet they did not stop spreading the news, the Good News. They simply left the areas where there was a hardness of heart, moving onto other towns and places where individuals were anxious to hear the Word of God.
What we witness is how genuine conviction can produce such strong determination and dedication to a mission in the hearts of true believers. Consider this for a time and then consider your own "genuine conviction" to your baptismal calling and to the empowerment given to you each time you receive the Holy Eucharist. How strong is it? Are there or have there been moments when the strength to continue proclaiming the Good News has become too burdensome? Are there times when expectations are too heavy or even perhaps too imposing?
We cannot forget the words of today's gospel: "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name --- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."
