Meditation on Today's Reading (25 May 2005)

Wednesday of the First Week of Gracetide

First Reading - Acts 22:30 – 23:11
Gospel Reading - Mark 1: 21-34

Today, we continue hearing the account of Paul's arrest and interrogation in Jerusalem, and strangely enough we find ourselves cheering on the Pharisees today, at least for a moment.

In the ongoing disputation between the Pharisees and Saducees, Paul is spirited away by the Roman tribune, obviously not impressed with the way that the proceedings went on.

We must keep in mind that, while both parties shared power, there was a vast difference between them. The Pharisees had a belief in angels, the soul, and the resurrection. The Saducees did not. How the two of them managed to co-exist is beyond me, but they were able to at least partially put aside their differences, especially when they were able to jump on someone's case.

In this particular instance, Paul was too smart for them.

So, what do we take away from this particular incident? Paul was an intelligent man. He knew how to use his gifts, his God-given gifts, to ensure his saftey in accord with God's plan. Paul would go on to influence many more on his trip from Jerusalem to Rome... he would share faith with them, fellowship with them, and love all those whom Christ, through him, had nourished in the many Churches he planted.

In short, God was not ready to call him home, and used his own talents to ensure that his ministry continued, even though it was under duress.

Are we ready to do likewise for God's kingdom? Are we ready to be arrested and persecuted for him? Our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are already answering a call to faithfulness in persecution. Are we ready to follow that example? Are we prepared to sacrifice freedom for the Gospel that Christ imparts to us?

May we pray, this day, that we are.