First Reading (Acts 16:1-10)
Reading from the book of the Acts of the Apostles.
In those days: Paul went to Derbe and Lystra. There was in Lystra a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman, a believer, and a Greek father. The brothers of Lystra and Iconium gave good testimony about Timothy. Paul then wanted Timothy to leave with him. He took him with him and circumcised him for the sake of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that Timothy’s father was a Greek. Traveling through the cities, Paul and Timothy conveyed the decisions that the apostles and elders of Jerusalem had made. And they recommended that they be observed. The churches grew stronger in faith and, day by day, grew in number. Paul and Timothy crossed Phrygia and the region of Galatia, as the Holy Spirit had prohibited them from preaching the Word of God in Asia. Arriving near Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus prevented them. Then they crossed Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision: in front of him, a Macedonian was standing and begging him: “Come to Macedonia and help us!” After this vision, we tried to leave immediately for Macedonia, as we were convinced that God had just called us to preach the Gospel to them.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 15,18-21)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, know that it first hated me. If you were of the world, the world would like what belongs to it. But because you are not of the world, because I chose you and I have separated myself from the world; therefore the world hates you. Remember what I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. yours. All this they will do to you for my name’s sake, because they do not know him who sent me.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you!
Today, I want to start our reflection with a question: have you ever felt out of place or misunderstood in the midst of your daily experiences? We all, at some point, face situations where our beliefs and values are challenged. It’s as if we are out of tune with the world around us. Well, it is exactly this feeling of displacement and challenge that our biblical passages today tell us about.
In the first reading of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16:1-10), we find Paul and Timothy, two men who felt called to take the message of Christ to places where the Gospel had not yet been preached. They were true strangers in unknown lands. Imagine the feeling of uncertainty and vulnerability they must have experienced!
However, Paul and Timothy did not allow these feelings to paralyze them. They continued to preach the Gospel, facing challenges and persecution along the way. They knew that the love of Christ was greater than any adversity they might encounter. They trusted in divine grace and moved forward, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Just like Paul and Timothy, we are called to be witnesses of the Gospel in our time. The Gospel of John (John 15:18-21) reminds us that being disciples of Christ involves facing opposition and rejection. Jesus tells us: “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). These words may seem harsh, but they reveal a profound truth about the nature of discipleship.
My friends, we live in a world that often rejects the principles of the Gospel. Values such as love, forgiveness and compassion are often replaced by selfishness, hatred and indifference. We may feel out of place, like foreigners in our own society. But we must not despair, as Jesus encourages us, saying: “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world… therefore it hates you” (John 15:19).
In these moments of challenge and opposition, we need to remember that we are not alone. Just as Paul and Timothy were guided by the Holy Spirit, we are also graced with the same Spirit. It strengthens us and enables us to face the difficulties that come our way. Therefore, we should not fear, but trust in the presence and grace of God in our lives.
I want to share with you a story that illustrates this truth. There once was a young man named André, who decided to bring the love of Christ to the homeless people in his city. He knew he would face resistance and indifference, but he was determined to make a difference. He began offering food, clothing and shelter to those who were often forgotten by society.
At first, André faced criticism and even mockery. Some said he was wasting his time and resources on people who didn’t deserve help. Yet he continued to persevere, fueled by the conviction that every person is worthy of God’s love.
As time passed, people’s attitudes began to change. They began to notice the positive impact André was having on the community. More and more people joined him, offering their time and resources to help those in need. André’s example inspired others to stand up and make a difference in their own lives.
My beloved, this story shows us that, even in the face of opposition and challenge, we can make a difference in our world. We can be shining lights in the midst of darkness. Like Andrew, we can follow Christ’s example and become instruments of love and compassion.
When reflecting on these biblical passages, it is important to remember that the Gospel message is not limited to the church space. It must permeate all areas of our lives, influencing our relationships, our choices, our work and our daily interactions.
When we face challenging situations, we can turn to God’s Word for guidance and strength. It shows us that we are called to love our enemies, to forgive those who harm us, and to be lights of hope in a world full of darkness.
As Catholics, we are invited to live a life of authenticity and integrity, reflecting the teachings of Christ in everything we do. This calling requires courage and determination, especially when we are faced with opposition and rejection. However, God promises us his presence and assistance at all times.
Therefore, we must not be discouraged by the challenges we encounter when following the path of Christ. Instead, we should remember Paul’s words: “Be of good cheer; for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10). God is with us, and He is working through us to transform lives and bring hope to the world.
Dear brothers and sisters, today we are challenged to carry forward the legacy of Paul, Timothy and so many other disciples of Christ who came before us. We are called to show the world God’s love and grace in action. Let us not be discouraged by the difficulties we may face, but let us trust in the strength that comes from above.
As we prepare to close this homily, I want to challenge you to reflect on how today’s Bible passages apply to your everyday life. How can you be authentic witnesses of the Gospel in your families, work and communities? How can you spread the love of Christ even in the midst of opposition and rejection?
Remember that transformation begins in our hearts and manifests itself in our actions. Let us ask God for the grace and courage to live according to the principles of the Gospel, even when it costs us. May we be signs of hope and agents of change in our world.
May the love of God guide us, the grace of Christ strengthen us and the Holy Spirit enable us to live as true disciples of Jesus. May we take the message of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, illuminating the path for those who do not yet know the goodness and mercy of God.
So be it. Amen!
