“Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.” –  PS 115: 1(ab)

 

Sisters and Brothers today’s Readings from Sacred Scripture gives us an important reminder, who should receive credit for all the things we do, especially our successes?

In our First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we continue to follow the work of Paul and Barnabas.  One thing to remember is that doing God’s Will is not always received favorably. However, that should not deter us as disciples of Jesus from living The Way we know we should.  God always provides and He guides Paul and Barnabas from harm’s way to another opportunity to spread the Good News.  In doing so, they are able to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit which leads to the healing of a man who was lame since birth.  The Gentiles are so impressed they believe it is their gods who have taken the form of men to help them.  They are so excited; they even want to make sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas under the names of Hermes and Zeus.  For their part, Paul and Barnabas give credit where credit is due, God.  They continue to teach these Gentiles to a journey of conversion and become Christian.

Our Responsorial Psalm should be one that we keep as reminder.  It isn’t us on our own that enables success but that of the Lord.  In remembering this, then we should give all Glory to His Name.  God has Blessed us with Life, Mercy, Truth, and many other gifts including those of the earth.  However, we are His Children and therefore, must act as such by thanking Him for these Gifts by doing His Will and not being caught up and controlled by the gifts of the world.

Jesus in our Gospel from St John reminds us that we prove our love of Him by following Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  He tells us that if we follow the Commandments given by God, we show our love for Him.  Again, it is not on our own that we do this, but through the Holy Spirit who will teach us everything while reminding us of all Jesus has taught us.  For our part, we need to keep our hearts open to allow this to happen.

The Holy Spirit will open our ears to hear and understand the Word of God. For our part, we need to humble ourselves by remembering, who did what?  Did we create ourselves?  Do we control the next breath we take, the next beat of our heart?  Who is going to give us what we need for Eternal Life?  Let us humbly ask the Holy Spirit to inflame our heart with the love of God and His Word.

"Lord Jesus, in love you created me, and you drew me to yourself. May I never lose sight of you nor forget your steadfast love and faithfulness. And may I daily dwell upon your word and give you praise in the sanctuary of my heart, You who are my All."

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX