Acts of the Apostles
Chapter
13
1. Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 1)
Oh people of all nations God is inviting all to become active members of His body on earth that is the Roman Catholic Church. If it is the will of God to talk to us through other churches and maybe desires that others join these churches may all happen according to His divine will. However, God's main priority is our salvation. He has a place for all of us, regardless of our social standing, or belief. Today God is making us an open door offer on a take it or leave it basis. May we all decide to take Him up on this offer Amen.
2. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work o which I have called them" 3. Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God, Your voice is never silent. You are always speaking to us in some way or another. However in special circumstances as in those of the chapter 13 You, choose to make Your voice heard. I am proud to have had heard that strong voice at the time of my calling which was a golden day, which I still long to experience again. As much as You chose Paul and Barnabas to spread throughout the world and spread your message and the gift of salvation, I also feel that You have given me the role of praying on Your Word and sharing it online with all who want to receive and accept it Amen.
4. So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 4 to 5)
Oh God once we are driven by the power of Your Holy Spirit we can never imagine where we will venture to. Once we accept to resign our will to that of God he is the one who chooses where we go and not ourselves. Throughout my lives, I changed many jobs. I believe that God permitted these changes so that I can spread His name in different areas of life Amen.
6. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 6)
Oh God ever since the time when You were still physically with us, You had warned us against false prophets or people who come in Your name and say that they are You. During our times, there are many who are offering a false salvation based on a life of luxury and comfort based on the latest technology and scientific findings. However in truth people who choose such a life are on the path leading to their own destruction.
7. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8. But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 7 to 8)
Oh God even though we may be intelligent in the ways of the world, we may still be ignorant and have a great thirst for Your ways as in the case of the Sergius Paulus. However every time we show motivation to follow You, the evil spirits do their best to hinder us from receiving Your Word and its message of Salvation. Oh God may our hearts always be receptive to welcome both You and Your Gospel, and may the knowledge of the World, never replace our faith in You Amen.
9. But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10. and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 9 to 10)
This is a constant battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil, who use all their possible means in order to make crooked the perfect ways of God.
11. And now listen-the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun". Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 11)
Oh, Jesus You Yourself told us that when we pray in good faith that our prayers can be fulfilled miracles will happen. You told us that if we tell the mountain in Your name to move from one place to another this will be done. This is manifested oh Jesus by Your servant Paul who without even proclaiming that what was about to happen was according to Your will simply gave the command and it was fulfilled. Therefore, when we lift our prayers we are to do so in faith without having no room or occasion to doubt if our prayers will be answered or not, even though at times the response does not always happen instantly as in the case of Your servant Paul.
12. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 12)
Oh God and my Father, may we be influenced to believe You not only by external physical signs but by Your Word, that we may change our ways and accept You as being the one and only God of our lives and the one and only reason for us to live, for it is only when in Your presence that we have true life. Amen.
13. Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14. but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 13 to 14)
In the beginning of this ministry, the group of three set sail, however on the way for some reason they did not remain united. For some reason John left the group and St. Paul and Barnabas proceeded together. When something good is going to take place the evil one will stop at nothing to try and disrupt the unity of the believers by stimulating us to discord and division, however Paul and Barnabas were being driven by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who for some reason permitted the group not to venture together on this mission. Although it seems a manifestation of discord among the apostles, God is always in control of every situation of our lives, and all that takes place happens for our own good.
In order to view the route taken by Paul and Barabas please click on the following link:-
The route of St Paul and Barnabas
15. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 15)
Og God by means of St. Paul You gave us a very important lesson in prudence and humility. Even though St Paul had a good intention of spreading the message of the 'Good News' he did not impose it on others but humbly waited for the permission to speak and waited until he received the go-ahead to do so. At times throughout the course of life, we are to wait for Your 'go ahead' before important changes that we have long been waiting for can actually take place. Therefore, if we have not received God's benediction we either wait and remain firm in faith and prayer or pray God to show us more available or different options in order to deal with our issue. Amen.
16. So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 16)
Oh God, Your message or 'Good News' is for all who accept it, for all who have ears to listen, and an open heart to love and accept without doubting the message or trying to contradict it. Amen. Instead of trying to change the Word of God it is better to let the Word of God change us. Amen
17. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 17)
As in the case of Your chosen people oh God my Father we have also been chosen, to lead a life in consecration to You. Even during our moments of Egypt or persecution, You are able to lead us out of our tribulations successfully with our heads held high.
18. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 18)
Oh, Jesus how patient You are with humanity. I would have lost my patience after a few minutes, not after 40 years. I thank You for being so patient with me and others, for we are all frail and even though we promise not to commit the same sin time and time again, we still end up in the same situations.
19. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20. for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 19 to 20)
Oh God, my Father even though You had proved Yourself worthy and faithful during all that time your people still asked for judges to be rulers over them. Who could be a better leader oh God between You and humans, however as sinners we preferred to chose human leaders over You. Today we may be doing the same thing. It is time to ask ourselves the same question. Who are we following as our leader You or the leaders of the World?
21. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes,' 23. Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised;
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 21 to 23)
Oh God even though we do not always see You working in our lives, You are always busy. Throughout the course of time, You had already been preparing the way by means of kings and prophets in order to pave the way for Your coming in the person of Jesus. During our times, You are surely preparing for the second and final visit, and I truly believe that all the events that are taking place are a part of Your great masterplan. Yesterday the 22nd of March there were two explosions in Brussels that claimed the lives and injured many people. Following this event, a gale force is in force in order to prevent air flights, so that more lives will not be lost if the next target or bomb or human bomb is to take place on an airplane. I thank You oh God my Father for being so proactive. Amen. You are always many steps ahead of us in You have control over all that takes place on earth and in the world at large.
24. before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25. And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose I am? I am not he. No but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 24 to 25)
Before You came oh Jesus You sent John in order to baptize with the waters of the river which would lead to our repentance. However, this was followed by Your baptism which was not with the waters of the river but with the power of Your Holy Spirit which leads to our living a new life in the Spirit. I thank You for having me the opportunity to live this experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Amen. With reference to this form of baptism please click on the following link:-
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
26. "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 26)
Oh Brothers and Sisters who read this blog and pray on the word of God as I do, the message of Salvation is for us who believe in Him and his message. Many others in the world may also receive the message, but if they do not believe in You oh Jesus it is of no value. I pray oh God that one God there will be no unbelievers in the world and we will be one big happy family with You as our father.
27. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 27)
At times oh Jesus my Father, I do not always understand the message that You are trying to pass on to me even though You have helped me to become familiar with it throughout these fourteen years of meditating on Your Good News. I end up making the wrong decisions, however later on You show me that even the bad decision and its consequences were part of the Master Plan that You fashioned for my Salvation. Therefore, I always thank You in advance oh God, for You permit all to happen for my own good and even though at the time I do not understand the reasons You are still in control of the situation Amen.
28. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 28)
Oh, Jesus if though many times it is our fault that we end up in trouble in order to cover up our mistakes we tend to place the blame on You in order to justify ourselves in the given situation. Instead of admitting that by means of our sinful life we have told You to get our life, when the going gets tough we start asking the fatal question, where was God in the situation, and why did he not respond to our prayers.
29. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30. But God raised him from the dead; 31. and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 29 to 31)
Oh God everything that is written in the Good News of the Gospels and the Old Testament was fulfilled by means of Your passion which had been prophesized since the time of the prophets. However on being resurrected not everybody had the privilege of seeing You in the form of resurrection but only those who really believe in You. Many years have passed since then and we can still experience You in a spirit of prayer and communion by means of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
32. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33. he has fulfilled for us,their children, raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ''You are my Son; today I have begotten you.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 32 to 33)
Oh God my Father during our times 2016 You have also fulfilled the promise for us, for we are also Your children. Every time we receive Your Good News and welcome it in our spirits You are born again in us, for our lives are renewed again. Amen. I thank You for the renewal of our souls each time we receive You in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
34. As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35. Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 34 to 35)
Oh, Jesus, You rose from the dead and Your body, did not experience physical decay, because You died in the flesh and rose in the Spirit of God, that restored and renewed both the physical and the spiritual which in itself remained pure as ever. Although as humans we are living oh God my Father if we do not experience Your presence it is as though we are already dead. Therefore, in order to be totally alive, we are to live in the Spirit and then even our bodies will be renewed for our lives will be offered completely to You.
36. For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37. but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38. Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39. by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 36 to 39)
Oh God my Father the big difference between You and David among many is that on dying David experienced corruption, however unlike Your death, David's death was not effective in the redemption of our sins, but yours was.
40. Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41. 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 40 to 41)
Oh God, this warning is also valid for our times. You are still at work even though we are alienated by the ways of the world. Wake up, break out of the prison of the self, and experience the light of God, for our salvation may be nearer than we think it is. Food and worldly pleasure may never fulfill our soul and the body and six-packs are worthless at the point of death. God has not stopped working. He is preparing us and the world for His second visits, by means of all the events that are currently and have been taking place Amen.
42. As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 42)
Oh God my Father the more I listen to You, the more I would like to hear more and more. My thirst for You can never be satisfied oh God my Father. Amen
43. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them to continue in the grace of God.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 43)
Oh God the advice of Paul to the people of the Synagogue is the same advice You are giving us today. Even though we may be facing many tribulations, we still need to keep on going, however, we are not alone for You are always with us. Thank You, God my Father for being so close Amen.
44. The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 44 to 47)
Oh God my Father You can turn a negative situation into a positive one. From one of tribulation and persecution as in the case of the unbelieving Jews who as direct descendants, had the right to inherit the message of the Good News, You permitted the apostles to turn on to those who were not of Jewish origin so that the message would continue to spread throughout the whole world. In such circumstances oh God, You even permitted the Apostle Paul to come to Malta, to spread the message of the Good News. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
48. When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 48 to 49)
Oh God, my Father may it be that we all feel the same gladness as these Gentiles in order to welcome You and Your message of Good News! May there be more believers and may Your Word continue to spread even during our times. I pray for missionaries, priests and catechists and those living in convents and monasteries so that by their example, their way of life, they will continue spreading Your Word and message of Salvation Amen.
50. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51. So they shppk the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 50 to 52)
Oh God tit seems that here is no salvation without persecution. All those who have chosen to follow You and Your ways have experienced tribulation, that even resulted in their being killed for their faith in You. However as in the case of the Apostles, persecution is not to make us sad or discouraged but empowered in the Holy Spirit to continue spreading the Holy and Powerful Message of the Good News of Salvation in Your Name and by Your Name Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God my Father, I pray for all preachers and missionaries throughout the world, I pray that You continue to bless all their works and multiply by a 10000 percent all that they do and all the people who receive You by means of the Good News and accept you as their Lord God and Father. I also pray that You protect them from the persecutions of both the present and even from the future. I pray that they remain firm in their vocation and continue being your right hand in the unfolding of the plan of Your salvation. I also pray for all Christians and Roman Catholics for we are all missionaries in our particular circles and environments. Amen
2. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work o which I have called them" 3. Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God, Your voice is never silent. You are always speaking to us in some way or another. However in special circumstances as in those of the chapter 13 You, choose to make Your voice heard. I am proud to have had heard that strong voice at the time of my calling which was a golden day, which I still long to experience again. As much as You chose Paul and Barnabas to spread throughout the world and spread your message and the gift of salvation, I also feel that You have given me the role of praying on Your Word and sharing it online with all who want to receive and accept it Amen.
4. So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 4 to 5)
Oh God once we are driven by the power of Your Holy Spirit we can never imagine where we will venture to. Once we accept to resign our will to that of God he is the one who chooses where we go and not ourselves. Throughout my lives, I changed many jobs. I believe that God permitted these changes so that I can spread His name in different areas of life Amen.
6. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 6)
Oh God ever since the time when You were still physically with us, You had warned us against false prophets or people who come in Your name and say that they are You. During our times, there are many who are offering a false salvation based on a life of luxury and comfort based on the latest technology and scientific findings. However in truth people who choose such a life are on the path leading to their own destruction.
7. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8. But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 7 to 8)
Oh God even though we may be intelligent in the ways of the world, we may still be ignorant and have a great thirst for Your ways as in the case of the Sergius Paulus. However every time we show motivation to follow You, the evil spirits do their best to hinder us from receiving Your Word and its message of Salvation. Oh God may our hearts always be receptive to welcome both You and Your Gospel, and may the knowledge of the World, never replace our faith in You Amen.
9. But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10. and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 9 to 10)
This is a constant battle between the forces of God and the forces of evil, who use all their possible means in order to make crooked the perfect ways of God.
11. And now listen-the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun". Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 11)
Oh, Jesus You Yourself told us that when we pray in good faith that our prayers can be fulfilled miracles will happen. You told us that if we tell the mountain in Your name to move from one place to another this will be done. This is manifested oh Jesus by Your servant Paul who without even proclaiming that what was about to happen was according to Your will simply gave the command and it was fulfilled. Therefore, when we lift our prayers we are to do so in faith without having no room or occasion to doubt if our prayers will be answered or not, even though at times the response does not always happen instantly as in the case of Your servant Paul.
12. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 12)
Oh God and my Father, may we be influenced to believe You not only by external physical signs but by Your Word, that we may change our ways and accept You as being the one and only God of our lives and the one and only reason for us to live, for it is only when in Your presence that we have true life. Amen.
13. Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14. but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 13 to 14)
In the beginning of this ministry, the group of three set sail, however on the way for some reason they did not remain united. For some reason John left the group and St. Paul and Barnabas proceeded together. When something good is going to take place the evil one will stop at nothing to try and disrupt the unity of the believers by stimulating us to discord and division, however Paul and Barnabas were being driven by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who for some reason permitted the group not to venture together on this mission. Although it seems a manifestation of discord among the apostles, God is always in control of every situation of our lives, and all that takes place happens for our own good.
In order to view the route taken by Paul and Barabas please click on the following link:-
The route of St Paul and Barnabas
15. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 15)
Og God by means of St. Paul You gave us a very important lesson in prudence and humility. Even though St Paul had a good intention of spreading the message of the 'Good News' he did not impose it on others but humbly waited for the permission to speak and waited until he received the go-ahead to do so. At times throughout the course of life, we are to wait for Your 'go ahead' before important changes that we have long been waiting for can actually take place. Therefore, if we have not received God's benediction we either wait and remain firm in faith and prayer or pray God to show us more available or different options in order to deal with our issue. Amen.
16. So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 16)
Oh God, Your message or 'Good News' is for all who accept it, for all who have ears to listen, and an open heart to love and accept without doubting the message or trying to contradict it. Amen. Instead of trying to change the Word of God it is better to let the Word of God change us. Amen
17. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 17)
As in the case of Your chosen people oh God my Father we have also been chosen, to lead a life in consecration to You. Even during our moments of Egypt or persecution, You are able to lead us out of our tribulations successfully with our heads held high.
18. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 18)
Oh, Jesus how patient You are with humanity. I would have lost my patience after a few minutes, not after 40 years. I thank You for being so patient with me and others, for we are all frail and even though we promise not to commit the same sin time and time again, we still end up in the same situations.
19. After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20. for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 19 to 20)
Oh God, my Father even though You had proved Yourself worthy and faithful during all that time your people still asked for judges to be rulers over them. Who could be a better leader oh God between You and humans, however as sinners we preferred to chose human leaders over You. Today we may be doing the same thing. It is time to ask ourselves the same question. Who are we following as our leader You or the leaders of the World?
21. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22. When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes,' 23. Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised;
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 21 to 23)
Oh God even though we do not always see You working in our lives, You are always busy. Throughout the course of time, You had already been preparing the way by means of kings and prophets in order to pave the way for Your coming in the person of Jesus. During our times, You are surely preparing for the second and final visit, and I truly believe that all the events that are taking place are a part of Your great masterplan. Yesterday the 22nd of March there were two explosions in Brussels that claimed the lives and injured many people. Following this event, a gale force is in force in order to prevent air flights, so that more lives will not be lost if the next target or bomb or human bomb is to take place on an airplane. I thank You oh God my Father for being so proactive. Amen. You are always many steps ahead of us in You have control over all that takes place on earth and in the world at large.
24. before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25. And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose I am? I am not he. No but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 24 to 25)
Before You came oh Jesus You sent John in order to baptize with the waters of the river which would lead to our repentance. However, this was followed by Your baptism which was not with the waters of the river but with the power of Your Holy Spirit which leads to our living a new life in the Spirit. I thank You for having me the opportunity to live this experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Amen. With reference to this form of baptism please click on the following link:-
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
26. "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 26)
Oh Brothers and Sisters who read this blog and pray on the word of God as I do, the message of Salvation is for us who believe in Him and his message. Many others in the world may also receive the message, but if they do not believe in You oh Jesus it is of no value. I pray oh God that one God there will be no unbelievers in the world and we will be one big happy family with You as our father.
27. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 27)
At times oh Jesus my Father, I do not always understand the message that You are trying to pass on to me even though You have helped me to become familiar with it throughout these fourteen years of meditating on Your Good News. I end up making the wrong decisions, however later on You show me that even the bad decision and its consequences were part of the Master Plan that You fashioned for my Salvation. Therefore, I always thank You in advance oh God, for You permit all to happen for my own good and even though at the time I do not understand the reasons You are still in control of the situation Amen.
28. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 28)
Oh, Jesus if though many times it is our fault that we end up in trouble in order to cover up our mistakes we tend to place the blame on You in order to justify ourselves in the given situation. Instead of admitting that by means of our sinful life we have told You to get our life, when the going gets tough we start asking the fatal question, where was God in the situation, and why did he not respond to our prayers.
29. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30. But God raised him from the dead; 31. and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 29 to 31)
Oh God everything that is written in the Good News of the Gospels and the Old Testament was fulfilled by means of Your passion which had been prophesized since the time of the prophets. However on being resurrected not everybody had the privilege of seeing You in the form of resurrection but only those who really believe in You. Many years have passed since then and we can still experience You in a spirit of prayer and communion by means of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
32. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33. he has fulfilled for us,their children, raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ''You are my Son; today I have begotten you.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 32 to 33)
Oh God my Father during our times 2016 You have also fulfilled the promise for us, for we are also Your children. Every time we receive Your Good News and welcome it in our spirits You are born again in us, for our lives are renewed again. Amen. I thank You for the renewal of our souls each time we receive You in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
34. As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35. Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 34 to 35)
Oh, Jesus, You rose from the dead and Your body, did not experience physical decay, because You died in the flesh and rose in the Spirit of God, that restored and renewed both the physical and the spiritual which in itself remained pure as ever. Although as humans we are living oh God my Father if we do not experience Your presence it is as though we are already dead. Therefore, in order to be totally alive, we are to live in the Spirit and then even our bodies will be renewed for our lives will be offered completely to You.
36. For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37. but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38. Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39. by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 36 to 39)
Oh God my Father the big difference between You and David among many is that on dying David experienced corruption, however unlike Your death, David's death was not effective in the redemption of our sins, but yours was.
40. Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41. 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 40 to 41)
Oh God, this warning is also valid for our times. You are still at work even though we are alienated by the ways of the world. Wake up, break out of the prison of the self, and experience the light of God, for our salvation may be nearer than we think it is. Food and worldly pleasure may never fulfill our soul and the body and six-packs are worthless at the point of death. God has not stopped working. He is preparing us and the world for His second visits, by means of all the events that are currently and have been taking place Amen.
42. As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 42)
Oh God my Father the more I listen to You, the more I would like to hear more and more. My thirst for You can never be satisfied oh God my Father. Amen
43. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them to continue in the grace of God.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verse 43)
Oh God the advice of Paul to the people of the Synagogue is the same advice You are giving us today. Even though we may be facing many tribulations, we still need to keep on going, however, we are not alone for You are always with us. Thank You, God my Father for being so close Amen.
44. The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 44 to 47)
Oh God my Father You can turn a negative situation into a positive one. From one of tribulation and persecution as in the case of the unbelieving Jews who as direct descendants, had the right to inherit the message of the Good News, You permitted the apostles to turn on to those who were not of Jewish origin so that the message would continue to spread throughout the whole world. In such circumstances oh God, You even permitted the Apostle Paul to come to Malta, to spread the message of the Good News. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
48. When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 48 to 49)
Oh God, my Father may it be that we all feel the same gladness as these Gentiles in order to welcome You and Your message of Good News! May there be more believers and may Your Word continue to spread even during our times. I pray for missionaries, priests and catechists and those living in convents and monasteries so that by their example, their way of life, they will continue spreading Your Word and message of Salvation Amen.
50. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51. So they shppk the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 verses 50 to 52)
Oh God tit seems that here is no salvation without persecution. All those who have chosen to follow You and Your ways have experienced tribulation, that even resulted in their being killed for their faith in You. However as in the case of the Apostles, persecution is not to make us sad or discouraged but empowered in the Holy Spirit to continue spreading the Holy and Powerful Message of the Good News of Salvation in Your Name and by Your Name Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God my Father, I pray for all preachers and missionaries throughout the world, I pray that You continue to bless all their works and multiply by a 10000 percent all that they do and all the people who receive You by means of the Good News and accept you as their Lord God and Father. I also pray that You protect them from the persecutions of both the present and even from the future. I pray that they remain firm in their vocation and continue being your right hand in the unfolding of the plan of Your salvation. I also pray for all Christians and Roman Catholics for we are all missionaries in our particular circles and environments. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment