Daily Retreat 05/02/08

2008 May 2 Fri: Athanasius, bp, dr M
Acts 18: 9-18/ Ps 46(47): 2-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Jn 16: 20-23

From today’s readings:  “Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you....  God is king of all the earth....   I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you....”

Good Reason for Great Courage

In contrast to Athens, the city of Corinth gave Paul an overall warm welcome, which is why he stayed there for a year and a half before returning to Antioch and thus ending his second missionary journey.  During his stay, he wrote his letters to the Thessalonians, which are generally recognized as the oldest parts of the New Testament.  Later, on his third missionary journey, Paul would also write profound epistles to the Corinthians themselves.

The Lord’s words to Paul at Corinth are words for us as well:
“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you....”   Christ’s comforting, joy inspiring presence is the cause of our courage!