In today’s First Reading Paul and Barnabas are enjoying what every apostle hopes for: results. Our Lord warned his disciples that their message would be rejected by some, and they should just keep working where they can. This happens twice today for Paul and Barnabas: first the Jewish officials don’t want them speaking with the Jews, then they make waves and force Paul and Barnabas to leave the area entirely. We should pity any town that an apostle leaves while shaking the dust off his feet. The disciples, as the First Reading reminds us, “were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” Those who rejected them were not.
As disciples we should not be concerned about popularity contests. Believers are not popular today in many circles. We should be concerned about being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. That will exercise the force of attraction to which open hearts will gravitate, aided as well by the Holy Spirit.
Readings: Acts 13:44–52; Psalm 98:1–4; John 14:7–14. See also 4th Week of Easter, Saturday