8 May 2019 - scatter plot

Today's Readings

(Audio)

There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem,
and all were scattered

Circumstances arise that seem to thwart God's plans. They seem to run counter to his intention that all men be saved and come to knowledge of the truth (see First Timothy 2:4).

Stephen was an effective preacher. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and power. And now he was gone. The Church had been strong and united in proclaiming Jesus. And now it was scattered. It was not fanning out intentionally but running from persecution.

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 in difficult times we are called to have hope. The circumstances of the world seem to say one thing. It seems to tell us to despair because defeat is inevitable. A world of basic human decency seems less and less possible from a human perspective, much less a truly Christian civilization. Yet although the circumstances of the world say one thing the Father says something else.

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.

When the world tries to stop the Father's plan it ends up accelerating it. When Satan tried to stop Jesus he caused the death that led eventually to the victorious resurrection. God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him (see Romans 8:28).

We can't predict in advance the ways in which dire circumstances will end up working out for our good. But we can and should hope in God no matter what we face. This focus makes us like Philip who is still clear about his message even after having fled the persecutions.

With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip
when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.

The will of the Father is that the world beholds the Son and believes in him. He will let no height not depth nor any created thing comes between him and those whom he calls.

"Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,
sing praise to your name!"