Patience and Attentiveness

Homily for Saturday of the Fifth Week in Eastertide

Paul and his companions are prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Gospel in certain areas. They were trying to do something good: preach the Gospel, and they were kept from doing it. God had plans for them to do fruitful missionary work elsewhere. Failing in our efforts to do good can be very frustrating and discouraging when it happens. But perhaps God in His Providence is directing us toward more fruitful ventures elsewhere.

The Gospel text for this morning also mentions that the apostles and disciples could expect persecutions as they went along preaching the Gospel. Perhaps the reason that Paul and his companions were prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Gospel in certain areas was a matter of God’s providence. God may have been keeping them away from persecution because they were so new at their preaching and ministry. As they became stronger in their ministry, they would end up being able to face the persecution.

We probably don’t have to worry about such things. However, there are instances when we cannot do what we would like to do – even actions that would be considered helpful or ministerial. However, the Holy Spirit is working with us and through us so we must be attentive to the directions that we receive without questioning the motives of the Holy Spirit.

Our daily communion with God is essential in our growth in patience and attentiveness to the directions of the Holy Spirit.