[ Today's Readings ]
There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem,
and all were scattered
throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria,
except the Apostles.
When we encounter hardships we think that they interfere with your plans, Jesus. We know that suffering is not your will. You don't will the persecution of the Church that scatters the people. But you certainly anticipate it. And you make all things work together for the good of those who love you (see Romans 8:28).
Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
Philip might not be happy to be scattered by persecution. But he doesn't let it hinder him. Because he doesn't he is able to bring great joy to the city of Samaria.
With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip
when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.
For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice,
came out of many possessed people,
and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured.
If the persecution caused Philip to retreat into himself, to become selfish or afraid, Samaria would not know this joy. But the will of Philip is now like the will of Jesus: completely submitted to the Father.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
Even when we see but do not believe you do not reject us, LORD. You still invite us. You tell us to come to you that we may never hunger. When you say this we realize our hunger. We realize that we are not satisfied. Only you can satisfy. You tell us to believe in you that we may never thirst. And we are, it turns out, so very thirsty. You do not reject us, LORD. You are the bread of life and only you can quench these desires. Only you can nourish us in the midst of worldly privation. Only you can bring joy from the sorrow of persecution and suffering.
through the river they passed on foot;
therefore let us rejoice in him.
He rules by his might forever.
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