Readings
I - Acts 18: 1-8
II - Jn. 16: 16-20
St. Philip Neri (Memorial)
MESSENGERS OF GOD
John the evangelist says, “He came to His own and those who were His own did not receive Him” (Jn. 1: 11). In the first reading, Paul, at Corinth proclaimed the Word of God and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. In their stubbornness of heart they opposed and reviled him. Therefore he left them and went to the Gentiles at Corinth. Many believed and got baptised.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Philip Neri, known as the ‘Humorous Saint”. Thought he lived here on the earth, his eyes were always fixed on heave, the Paradise. He loved the youth and was always crowded by children and youth around him. His spirituality was simply being cheerful. He enlightened and enamored people through entertainment that had religious instructions as its crux. To perpetuate his work established the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy without any religious vows. He was a man of prayer, cheerfulness and joy.
St. Paul and the saint of the day inspire us to bear witness to Christ through our credible Christian living. Both of them preached from and through their life. In the light of their lives let us examine our word and deeds to find out if they bore witness to the Jesus we believe and proclaim. St. Paul and St. Philip Neri lived what they preached. If we were to be like them, we can inspire and turn many people towards God. Let us not be stubborn like the Jews of Corinth but be open to the truth around us. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, help me to be your powerful messenger in my words and actions”.
