DAILY REFLECTION

Liturgical readings are available here.

With chapter 13 of the Acts of the Apostles, Paul becomes the leader of the mission and from now on, he is named as the head of the group: Paul and his companions.

His determination for God’s cause makes him push through external difficulties on the dangerous journey, even when John (= Marcus), his former companion, gives up and returns to Jerusalem. Besides the challenges of the travel, Paul is facing much bigger obstacles that test his patience, zeal, and even faith.

As elsewhere in the Acts, Paul turns first to the Jews, his beloved brothers, before talking to the gentiles. And although the Jews turn him down and the pattern of refusal is repeated in every city, Paul shows determination, love, and perseverance when it comes to his brethren.

Being a prophet in own household is always challenging. Not because those people would be less disposed to accept Christ, but because Christ always has a much harder time teaching humility to the messenger.