“A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honour by all the people, stood up . . . And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. For before these days Theudas arose, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is on men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” Acts 5:34-39. Saint Augustine said, “God sometimes works His purposes through people we may not understand or even like; to resist them is to resist His providence.”
Let us pray, Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to respect people who hold views or positions we may not understand or even dislike. Help us to rise above our personal judgments and to see that Your ways are higher than ours, and Your workings are Yours alone. Give us hearts that welcome others, even those we find difficult, especially when they carry Your Good News. Teach us to honor Your presence in every person and to be instruments of Your peace, patience, and love in all our encounters.
Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.
