God is more interested in your future

Rev. Fr. Achilleus Ile Adole CSSp.

Today, the first reading from the acts of the apostles gives us the account of how Saul was converted, and how God set him apart for his mission to the gentiles. It is the famous story of how he (Saul) was arrested by Jesus himself on his way to Damascus with a mission to persecute the Christians there.

In this story, there is something important that happened, that tells us that the mission is the lord's, and that men should not interfere with the mission of God. Only what is required from men in the mission of God is to align themselves to the plans of God.

In Saul's encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus, he lost his sight, and so, Jesus sent Ananias who was one of the disciples to go to Saul and restore his sight, but Ananias was reluctant because he felt that Saul does not deserve it. He said, "... Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name. But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel...."

Ananias was influenced by his human element and judged Saul not to be worthy because of his past, but God was more interested in the future of Saul than in his past.

Ananias judged Saul by what he did in the past and considered him not worthy to work for God, but in our own case, sometimes we are judged by others not to be worthy to work for God, and other times we judge ourselves not worthy to work for God. Nevertheless, what we must think about is how God sees us and what mission he has for us.

Let us therefore make ourselves available, and be ready to align ourselves to the plan of God and work for the better glory of his name rather than judging others or ourselves as not worthy of participating in the mission of God.

The mission or the work that God wants us to do may be difficult, however, Jesus assures us of his constant assistance through the gift of the Holy Eucharist like he said in the gospel of today, "... For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me...."

And so, we pray that the eucharist may continue to renew our strength as we carry out the mission and the work that God has entrusted to us. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Peace be with you.