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REFLECTION

The end of the beginning is the theme for our reflection. The end of the beginning is an indication of an unfolding process which has seen its next stage of development. Luke, the writer of Acts of the Apostles gave a vivid account of how the Gospel and the Church began spreading from Jerusalem at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to different places leading to the conversion or transformation of households both of Jewish and Gentile origin. One of the key fanatics of Judaism who became instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles was Paul.

The focus of today’s reflection is on Luke’s account of Paul’s trial leading him from Jerusalem to Rome on appeal as a Roman Citizen. Rome was the capital city of the Roman Empire. Indeed, it was the end of the beginning because the Church and the Gospel was established in Jerusalem and had already gotten to Rome but will expand rapidly among the Gentiles with the coming of Paul to Rome and staying there for two years. The Gospel was going to spread fast throughout the Roman empire without hindrace for the two years he was in Rome as a prisoner. This was the power of God at work, that the Gospel rejected by the Jews will be accepted by the Gentiles. “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 8:30-31). Paul told the Jews who had rejected the Gospel that “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Acts 28:26-28)

The end of the beginning of the Gospel in Paul’s time indicated that many had been converted and the Gospel and the Church of Christ will continue to spread with or without hindrances. It is remarkable to note that Paul’s imprisonment never hindered him from continuing to preach the Gospel of Salvation at Rome and beyond. Even in prison, Paul wrote pastoral letters to Churches in the provinces in the Roman empire to encourage and address issues facing the churches. This zealousness for the Lord had been carried on throughout the ages of Christian mission and it is now our turn to break new grounds and keep the flame burning.

Dear friend in the Lord, Paul belonged to an era we can describe as the end of the beginning but we belong to an era we may call the beginning of the end. What are we doing to show our love for Jesus and gratitude for our salvation by sharing the Gospel in our corrupt, promiscuous and crooked generation? Like Paul and other Apostles who had gone before us, we have no excuse. Let us use every opportunity granted us by the grace of God to preach the Good News for the salvation of many before the second Coming of our Lord Jesu Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, regardless of the challenges we may encounter, empower us to use our current status in life to serve you faithfully. Whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, sad or happy, engaged or busy, educated or uneducated, free or imprisoned, employed or unemployed, may we always be ready to preach the Good News of Salvation to the perishing. May we not be found giving excuses when we are called upon to discharge our roles as messengers of the Gospel. Amen