6 May 2023
A reflection from the Acts of the Apostles, but please listen anyway!
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For 6 May 2023, Saturday of the fourth week of Easter, based on Acts 13:44-32
The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles,
so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” ’
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
07 May 2023 @ 1:00 am
Deborah, your comments resonate deeply. Today I embrace the people of our ancestors in faith. Tomorrow, I extend that understanding to many others. I am moved by your words. Thank you.
07 May 2023 @ 5:42 am
As someone who has both Jewish and Christian family members, I, too, struggle with some of the scriptures. I can’t thank you enough for this preaching, Deb. I am committed to sharing about our God whose quilt covers the whole lot of humanity!
07 May 2023 @ 6:06 am
I want to give an absolute amen! This is an amazing and brilliant insight. I pray that we all can recognize our place in the quilt. I hope we can recognize our need for each other and our roots in faith.