UmatKu | EN | IN

"Sebab Aku menyertai engkau dan tidak ada seorang pun yang akan menjamah dan menganiaya engkau, sebab banyak umat-Ku di kota ini." (Kisah Para Rasul 18:10)

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Menjelang akhir tahun 2024, ada baiknya kita melakukan instropeksi diri. Kita mungkin bertanya apakah hidup kita sudah menjadi berkat bagi orang lain dan khususnya untuk mendukung pekerjaan Tuhan di bumi atau belum. Renungan hari ini menceritakan kepada kita tentang bagaimana Paulus didukung oleh beberapa orang di Korintus selama pelayanannya dalam banyak hal.

Pertama, ia bertemu dengan Akwila dan Priskila, tinggal bersama mereka dan bekerja bersama sebagai pembuat tenda. Mereka menyambut Paulus untuk tinggal bersama mereka. Selain bekerja, setiap hari Sabtu Paulus menyempatkan diri untuk datang ke sinagoge, mencoba meyakinkan orang Yahudi dan Yunani tentang keselamatan di dalam Kristus.

Kedua, Silas dan Timotius datang dan itu memungkinkannya untuk mengabdikan dirinya secara eksklusif untuk berkhotbah, bersaksi kepada orang-orang Yahudi bahwa Yesus adalah Mesias. Dalam banyak surat lain yang ditulis oleh Paulus (misalnya 1Tesalonika 2:9), ia mengatakan tentang Timotius dan dirinya yang bekerja keras bersama-sama untuk membiayai pengeluaran sehari-hari mereka sehingga tidak menjadi beban bagi jemaat. Kali ini setelah mereka bergabung dengan Paulus di Korintus, ia tidak perlu lagi memikirkan bagaimana memenuhi kebutuhan sehari-harinya karena teman-temannya yang mengurusnya.  Mereka memberi Paulus lebih banyak kesempatan untuk melakukan hal yang paling penting, yaitu menyebarkan Kabar Baik.

Ketiga, ketika orang-orang di sinagoge menentang Paulus dan bersikap kasar, ia mengebaskan pakaiannya sebagai protes dan meninggalkan mereka. Ia pergi ke rumah sebelah, ke rumah Titius Justus, seorang penyembah Tuhan, yang membukakan pintunya untuk Paulus. Di sana Krispus, kepala sinagoge, dan seluruh keluarganya percaya kepada Tuhan; dan banyak orang Korintus yang mendengar Paulus percaya dan dibaptis.

Suatu malam Tuhan berbicara kepadanya dalam sebuah penglihatan seperti yang tercatat dalam ayat 9 sampai 10: "Jangan takut; teruslah berbicara, jangan diam. Sebab Aku menyertai engkau dan tidak ada seorang pun yang akan menjamah dan menganiaya engkau, sebab banyak umat-Ku di kota ini. " Jadi ia tinggal di Korintus selama satu setengah tahun untuk mengajarkan Firman Tuhan.

Saudara-saudari terkasih, kita mungkin memiliki peran yang berbeda dalam membantu orang terutama untuk mendukung pekerjaan Tuhan.  Pastikan kita ambil bagian, berkontribusi dalam suatu hal, sekecil apapun itu. Karena Tuhan memperhatikan segala sesuatu. Semoga kita mengakhiri tahun ini dengan bersukacita karena kita termasuk dalam apa yang Tuhan katakan sebagai "umatKu". Amin. Selamat hari Natal dan Tahun Baru 2025 yang diberkati!

Renungan Kisah Para Rasul 18:1-17 oleh Desire Litaay.

Populus Meus | My People

"For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:10, NIV).

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As we head  towards the end of 2024, it's good for us to do some introspection. We may ask whether our lives have been a blessing to others and especially to support God's work on earth or not. Today's reflection tells us about how Paul was supported by some people in Corinth during his ministry in many ways.

First, he met Aquila and Priscilla, stayed with them and worked together as tentmakers. They welcomed Paul to live with them. Apart from working, every Saturday Paul had time to come to the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks about the salvation in Christ.

Second, Silas and Timothy came and that enabled him to devote himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. In many other letters written by Paul (for example 1Thessalonians 2:9), he said about Timothy and him working hard together to cover their daily expenses so they won't be a burden to the congregation. This time after they joined Paul in Corinth, he no longer had to think of how to fulfill his daily needs as his friends took care of that. They gave Paul more opportunities to do the most important thing, which was to spread the Good News.

Third, when people in the synagogue opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and left them. He went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, who opened his door for Paul. There Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

One night God spoke to him in a vision as recorded in verse 9 to 10: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So he stayed in Corinth for a year and a half teaching the Word of God.

Dear brothers and sisters, we may have different roles in helping people especially to support God's work. Make sure we take a part, contribute in an area, no matter how small it is. As God notices everything. 

May we end this year and rejoice that we are included in what God said as "My people". Amen. Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year 2025!

Reflection by Desire Litaay on Acts 18:1-17

(Listen to podcast here)

Scripturae | Scriptures

He was mighty in the Scriptures – Acts 18:24

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In Acts 18 we read about Apollos, an outstanding figure in the New Testament. He is also mentioned in the First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6, 4:6). Apollos was a highly educated Jew from Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was a major center of learning and culture in the ancient world. It is most likely that Apollos received a very thorough education there.

Apollos arrived in Ephesus, where he met Priscilla and Aquila. They were a Jewish Christian couple originally from Italy and they were tentmakers like the apostle Paul. They had been disciples and co-workers of the apostle Paul, as well as friends of Paul. They took Apollos under their wing and provided him with further instruction regarding the Messiah. Priscilla and Aquila had a thorough grasp of the Christian doctrine, most likely they obtained it from the apostle Paul. They communicated it in a respectful way to Apollos.

What stands out for me is that although Apollos was already mighty in the Scriptures, he didn’t object to be instructed by Priscilla and Aquila. For me this is a mature person. Ready to learn from others and to use that new knowledge and wisdom further on in life. Also the importance to always share knowledge in a very respectful and loving way, just like Priscilla and Aquila did.

Apollos, now ready with the complete message, continued on his evangelist ministry and was an effective apologist for the gospel (Acts 18:28). Let us follow the example of Apollos!

Reflection on Acts 18: 18-28 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)

Di dalam Dia | EN | IN

"Karena di dalam Dia kita hidup, bergerak, dan ada" – (Kisah Para Rasul 17:28)

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Memperkenalkan Allah yang hidup

Pernyataan yang disampaikan oleh Paulus mengingatkan kita semua, bahwa kehadiran Tuhan yang memampukan kita untuk hidup, bergerak dan ada. Paulus menyampaikan kabar baik kepada orang Athena mengenai Tuhan yang hidup, supaya mereka bertobat dan percaya kepada Allah, dan meninggalkan penyembahan terhadap dewa-dewa dalam bentuk emas atau perak atau batu yang merupakan ciptaan kesenian dan keahlian manusia (ayat 29). 

 

Rasul Paulus merupakan salah satu contoh murid Kristus yang selalu menjaga imannya dan memberitakan kabar sukacita kepada semua bangsa. Tetapi dalam bacaan hari ini, kita melihat bahwa Kabar baik yang disampaikan oleh Paulus ini justru diejek oleh orang-orang Atena (ayat 32). Tetapi dari antara orang yang begitu banyak itu, ada beberapa orang yang percaya akan Yesus Kristus. Kebenaran tentang Yesus kristus sebagai Mesias mampu membuat orang bertobat. 

 

Marilah kita memperkenalkan Allah mulai dari orang-orang terdekat kita. Mungkin kita tidak mampu memperkenalkan Yesus Kristus kepada orang – orang yang tidak kita kenal dan dalam jumlah banyak, tetapi kita bisa memperkenalkan kehadiran Tuhan dan bersaksi bahwa hanya karena Dia sajalah kita bisa hidup, bergerak, dan ada di dunia ini. Melalui diri kita, kita bisa menjadi saksi Kristus dan bisa mengabarkan kabar sukacita kepada semua orang sehingga orang-orang bisa percaya pada Allah yang Hidup, Allah yang sejati. Amin. 

 

Refleksi dari Kisah Para Rasul 17 : 28 – 34 oleh Meist

 

In Him

"In Him we live and move and have our being" – Acts 17:28

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Introducing the living God

 

The statement made by Paul reminds us all that it is God's presence that enables us to live, move and exist. Paul conveyed the good news to the Athenians about The Living God, so that they would repent and believe in God. And so that they don't worship and praise gods in the form of gold or silver or stones which were the creation of human art and skill (verse 29). 

 

Paul is a disciple of Christ who always kept his faith and preached the good news to all nations. In today's reading, we see that the good news delivered by Paul was actually ridiculed by the Athenians (verse 32). But among that multitude, there were some who believed in Jesus Christ. The truth about Jesus Christ as the Messiah is able to make people repent. 

 

Let us introduce our Lord Jesus Christ starting from those who are closest to us. Maybe we are not able to introduce Jesus Christ to people we don't know or in large numbers, but we can introduce God's presence and testify that it is only because of Him that we can live, move, and exist in this world. 

Through ourselves, we can be witnesses of Christ and can preach the good news to everyone so that people can believe in the Living God, the True God. Amen. 

 

Reflection from Acts 17 : 28 – 34 by Meist.  

 

Quaerere Deum | Seek the Lord

That they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us – Acts 17:27

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This passage is really important to understand that spreading the Lord’s word is a gift and God chose us because we are wise and different from the majority of people. They don’t recognize faith.

We have to be proud about this task and keep on doing it. Even if people around us are sceptical and mock us. What people think about us is not important if we are bringing the Lord‘s word.

We have to focus on our task to talk about being saved to as many people as possible. We have to be confident fighting against several fake idols. 

When Paul spoke to the people from Athens, he said that God is not in the temples and He’s not looking for a sacrifices. But all that He wants is that people will be looking for Him, chasing faith and love for other people.

Amen.

Reflection on Acts 17: 16 -27 by Ivan

(Listen to podcast here)

Spiritus | Spirit

She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. – Acts 16:18

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in this Bible passage we come across Paul and Silas who are proclaiming the Kingdom of God with the power of the Holy Spirit. They used to spend a lot of hours in prayer. On the way to prayer they encounter a slave girl who was controlled by an evil spirit. This girl with the help of an evil spirit was able to tell the fortune to the people. That brought about a great income to the owners of this slave girl. Paul understood what is going on with this girl and wanted to liberate her from the evil spirit.

Paul is casting out the evil spirit from the girl 'in the name of Jesus Christ.' This action brought about a lot of anger towards Paul and Silas by the owners of the slave girl because they were no longer able to make money. They were falsely accused, stripped publicly, beaten with iron rods and put into prison.

Dear friends, it is very important for us to be aware of the work of the Holy Spirit and evil spirit. We should be able to differentiate between the both. The world that we live in can easily make us believe so fast what we see and hear. Paul, a man of God filled with the Holy Spirit was able to identify the kind of spirit working in that slave girl. Similarly let us also be filled with the Holy Spirit and do the works of the Holy Spirit in building up the kingdom of God. 

Just like Paul let us also trust in the power of the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 16: 16-24 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Christus | Messiah

„This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:3).

Doctor of the Church-Cyril of Jerusalem, a theologian of the Early Church, left us important writings on Jesus Christ. He filled his catechesis with the Holy Spirit, which is commonly known as the Catechetical Lectures. His homilies, delivered around 350 AD, contained the faith and tradition of the Church. The bishop of Jerusalem focused on the Son of God, the Messiah, proclaimed by Paul (cf. Acts 17:3).

According to Cyril, Jesus Christ is the center of the history of salvation. He claims that the Holy Scriptures lead to faith in the Son of God. In the fourth lecture, he speaks about our Lord, through whom God created all things visible and invisible. He is Life from Life and Light from Light (cf. John 8:12). Jesus Christ is the Wisdom and Power of God. He rose from the dead and, after his resurrection, appeared again to His disciples. He will come again from heaven.

We Christians should wait for the true Christ and the only-begotten Son of God. We should believe in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thanks to the divine grace, we are sanctified. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist, we become one in the Church.

Cyril of Jerusalem emphasized that we learn about the divine mysteries from the Scriptures. Since our Christian faith is based on the authority of the Word of God.

From the teachings of Paul and Cyril, we know that there is no other king but Jesus. Therefore, we should also proclaim the Good News among our neighbors. Where are you sent by the Holy Spirit to share the Scriptures? Aren’t you remained behind? Let us join their mission as soon as possible. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 17:1-15 by Józef Trzebuniak

(Listen to podcast here)

Indonesian version: Percaya

"Tidak! Kami percaya bahwa melalui kasih karunia Tuhan kita Yesus Kristus, kami diselamatkan, sama seperti mereka." (Kisah Para Rasul 15:11 - NIV) 

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Allah telah membuat keselamatan mudah diperoleh. "Karena begitu besar kasih Allah akan dunia ini, sehingga Ia telah mengaruniakan Anak-Nya yang tunggal, supaya setiap orang yang percaya kepada-Nya tidak binasa, melainkan beroleh hidup yang kekal (Yohanes 3:16)." Kita hanya perlu percaya kepada-Nya bahwa pekerjaan Yesus Kristus yang mati di kayu salib untuk menanggung dosa-dosa kita sudah cukup dan lengkap untuk memberikan kita masa depan bersama Allah di surga.

Tampaknya pada tahun-tahun awal Kekristenan di Antiokhia, beberapa orang datang dari Yudea dengan ajaran baru bagi orang-orang bukan Yahudi yang mengatakan bahwa kecuali mereka disunat, menurut adat istiadat yang diajarkan oleh Musa, mereka tidak dapat diselamatkan (ayat 1). Hal ini membawa Paulus dan Barnabas ke dalam pertikaian dan perdebatan yang tajam. Jadi mereka diutus ke Yerusalem untuk menemui para rasul dan penatua tentang masalah ini. 

Ketika mereka berada di Yerusalem, beberapa orang percaya yang merupakan golongan Farisi menekankan pentingnya bagi orang-orang bukan Yahudi untuk tidak hanya disunat tetapi juga untuk menaati hukum Musa. Artinya, manusia perlu menambahkan pekerjaan mereka (perbuatan baik, ritual, kinerja tekun, dsb.) pada pekerjaan Yesus agar diselamatkan. Itu juga berarti bahwa apa yang telah Yesus lakukan bagi umat manusia tidaklah cukup. Rasul Petrus menolak ini dan kemudian berkata bahwa orang-orang ini telah mencoba untuk meletakkan kuk pada tengkuk bangsa-bangsa lain yang tidak dapat mereka maupun nenek moyang mereka tanggung (ayat 10). 

Tidak mungkin bagi manusia untuk memperoleh kekudusan dengan usahanya sendiri atau dengan cara lain kecuali melalui pekerjaan Yesus Kristus. Seperti yang dikatakan dalam Roma 3:10, "Tidak ada yang benar, seorang pun tidak." Kebenaran ini juga membawa kelegaan bagi kita masing-masing yang lelah berusaha menjadi baik dan memenuhi banyak kewajiban agar dianggap "layak di hadapan Allah". 

Allah adalah kasih (1 Yohanes 4:8). Terlebih lagi, Ia mengetahui hati manusia dan memberikan Roh Kudus yang sama kepada siapa saja yang percaya kepada-Nya. Ia tidak membeda-bedakan orang (orang Israel atau orang bukan Yahudi) karena Ia menyucikan hati mereka dengan iman (ayat 8-9). Dalam ayat 11 Petrus berkata, "Kita percaya bahwa oleh kasih karunia Yesus, Tuhan kita, kita diselamatkan sama seperti mereka." 

Puji Tuhan kita Yesus Kristus, yang telah menyelamatkan kita melalui kasih karunia-Nya. Inilah kebebasan sejati yang disediakan Allah bagi umat manusia dari dosa yang membelenggu. "Jadi apabila Anak itu memerdekakan kamu, kamu pun benar-benar merdeka" (Yohanes 8:36). Percaya saja. Amin.

Renungan Kisah Para Rasul 15:1-12 oleh Desire Litaay

(Dengarkan podcastnya disini)

Credimus | Believe | EN | IN

"No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." -Acts 15:11  (NIV)

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God has made salvation easy to obtain. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16)." We just need to believe in Him that the work of Jesus Christ who died on the cross to bear our sins is enough and complete to grant us the future together with God in heaven.

It appeared that in the early year of Christianity in Antioch, some people came from Judea with a new teaching for the Gentiles that said that unless they were circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, they could not be saved (verse 1). This brought Paul and Barnabas into a sharp dispute and a debate. So they were sent to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this matter.

When they were in Jerusalem, some believers who were from the party of the Pharisees emphasized the importance for the Gentiles not only to be circumcised but also to keep the law of Moses. It means, men need to add their work (good deeds, rituals, diligent performances etc.) to the work of Jesus in order to get saved. That also means that what Jesus has done for the human kind was not enough. Apostle Peter refused this and said later that these people had tried to put a yoke on the neck of the Gentiles that neither them nor their ancestors had been able to bear (verse 10). 

It is impossible for a human being to obtain holiness by his own effort or by other ways except by the work of Jesus Christ. As Roman 3:10 says, "None is righteous, no, not one." This truth also brings a relief to each of us who is tired trying to be good and fulfill many obligations to be considered "worthy before God". 

God is love (1 John 4:8). Moreover He knows people's heart and gives the same Holy Spirit to anyone who believes in Him. He does not discriminate among people (Israelites or Gentiles) for He purifies their hearts by faith (verse 8-9). In verse 11 Peter said, "We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Praise our Lord Jesus Christ, who has saved us by His grace. This is the true freedom that God provides for the mankind from the sin that binds. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). Just believe. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 15:1-12 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to podcast here)

Help

Come over here and help us -Acts 16:9

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In his vision, Saint Paul saw a Macedonian standing and calling to him to cross over and help them.  In several stories in the Bible, God conveys messages to His people through prophets in dreams and visions.  As experienced by Saint Paul, God wanted them to cross into Macedonia to spread the gospel.  This is Saint Paul’s story of faith.  After various types of persecution against Christians at that time, Paul became a follower of Jesus and even became His disciple.  Because of the faith and love that God had instilled in his heart since his conversion, Paul always put himself in prayer and fasting, so that God would always be willing to help him in his new mission and calling, after all what he done to Christians.

Learning from Saint Paul, we don't need to be complacent with what we have now.  Life's calling, inheritance, shortcomings, weaknesses, wealth, envies and despair, intelligence, knowledge and whatever, they are all tools given by God so that we can get closer and seek Him in any situation.   

Often it happens that we get used to live a free live without realizing that what we are enjoying, what we experience today, never escapes God's intervention.  Never let the bitterness of life such as failure, despair, revenge and anger or the pleasures of life such as abundant wealth, knowledge, friendship, a happy marriage, etc. make us lulled, drown and forget where it all came from.  

I believe that everything we experience happens according to His will.  God never allows us to be tested beyond the limits of patience.  Continue to be grateful for all life's events so that blessings will always be abundant in our path of life.

Reflection on Acts 16:1-15 by Sr Yanti Purnawati SFSC

Indonesian version: Konflik

Hal itu menimbulkan perselisihan yang tajam, sehingga mereka berpisah dan Barnabas membawa Markus juga sertanya berlayar ke Siprus - Kisah Para Rasul 15 : 39

 

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Manusia ialah makhluk sosial yang sering berhubungan dan tidak bisa hidup tanpa orang lain. Dalam relasi yang terbina ini selalu ada hal-hal yang memicu perbedaan pendapat dan perselisihan. Hal tersebut seringkali terjadi, dan merupakan hal yang biasa. Konflik merupakan hal yang baik, tetapi jika tidak diselesaikan dengan baik konflik tersebut akan menghancurkan sebuah hubungan yang baik. 

Paulus dan Barnabas juga berselisih tajam seperti yang tertulis pada bacaan kita hari ini. Konflik pun terjadi pada orang yang sudah dewasa secara Rohani. Inti persoalan mereka ialah kehadiran Markus dalam pelayanan mereka (ayat 37). Paulus mempersoalkan kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh Markus pada masa yang lampau (ayat 38). 

Barnabas ingin kembali menjalin hubungan yang baik dengan Markus dengan cara memberikan Markus kesempatan kedua. Tetapi hal tersebut justru menimbulkan perselisihan dengan Paulus. 

Kita belajar bagaimana manajemen konflik pada bacaan hari ini. Konflik diselesaikan dengan penuh kesabaran dan kedewasaan. Salah satu manajemen konflik yang digunakan yaitu win-win solution. Barnabas bisa bersama dengan Markus untuk melakukan pelayanan, dan Paulus pun tetap bisa melakukan pelayanan. 

Konflik tidak harus berakhir dengan buruk, konflik juga memberikan warna dan menjadi hal yang positif dalam sebuah organisasi maupun pelayanan. Pelayanan lebih efektif karena jangkauan pelayanan lebih luas karena mereka melayani di tempat yang berbeda sehingga lebih banyak menjangkau jemaat. 

Konflik membuat hubungan interpersonal lebih dinamis dan memunculkan kreativitas baru. Tuhan kiranya memampukan kita melihat sisi baik dari tiap konflik yang hadir dalam hidup kita. Amin. 

 

Kisa Para Rasul 15 : 30 – 41 oleh Meist

(Dengarkan podcastnya disini)

Dissensio | Disagreement | EN | IN

They had a sharp disagreement, so that they parted company. Barnabas took along Mark and sailed away to Cyprus - Acts 15:39 

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Conflict Management 

Humans are social creatures who often interact and cannot live without others. In the established relationships, there are always things that trigger differences of opinion and disputes. This often happens and it's quite normal. Conflict can be a good thing, but if it is not resolved properly, it can destroy a good relationship. 

Paul and Barnabas also had a sharp disagreement, as written in our reading today. Conflict can occur even among those who are spiritually mature. The core of their issues was the presence of Mark in their ministry (verse 37). Paul raised concerns about the mistake Mark made in the past (verse 38). Barnabas wanted to restore a good relationship with Mark by giving him a second chance. However, this led to a disagreement with Paul. We have learned about conflict management from our reading today. Conflicts were resolved with patience and maturity. One of the conflict management approaches is the win-win solution. Barnabas could work with Mark in the ministry, while Paul could continue his own ministry.

Conflict do not have to end badly. It can also add colour and be a positive aspect in the organization or in the ministry. The ministry becomes more effective because the outreach is broader as they serve in different places, thus reaching more congregants. 

Conflict makes interpersonal relationship more dynamic and fosters new creativity. May God enable us to see the good side of every conflict that arises in our lives. Amen. 

 

Reflection on Acts 15: 30 – 41 by Meist

(Listen to podcast here)

Onus | Burden

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things – Acts 15:28

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Today’s reading in Acts 15 is about the Jerusalem Council. This was one of the earliest Christian councils around 48-50 AD. The council of Apostles and Elders decided not to lay any further burdens on the new Gentile Christians. This council's decision is still important for us today in the modern world. 

The topic of burdens is something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. What type of burdens do we lay on ourselves and also on other people in our lives. Do we need to let go of these burdens? If so, how do we get rid of these burdens. According to the Cambridge dictionary a burden is a duty or responsibility that is hard to bear. 

In the Christian classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, carries a heavy burden on his back. It makes his journey slow. He suffers under the weight of it. When Christian comes to the cross, his burden falls from his back and tumbles down the hill. 

In Matthew we read: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). The yoke of our Lord Jesus is light and easy to carry because it is the yoke of repentance and faith followed by a commitment to follow Him and His commandments. As the apostle John says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Our Lord Jesus carried the burden that we were meant to carry. His perfect obedience and sacrifice for all our sin once at the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Acts 15 made me aware once again that our Lord Jesus Christ came not to lay burdens on us, but to take it away. His yoke is light. The Law of Moses was a heavy burden to carry, but Christ came to fulfil the law and to free us from heavy burdens.  In Romans 10:4 we read: “For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

Reflection on Acts 15: 13-29 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)

Evangelium | The Good News

There they preached the Good News - Acts 14:7

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The reflection on this passage is important for understanding the importance to spread the LORD’s Word to poor people that live a miserable life far from FAITH. These people have to be involved in God’s army instead of joining in the evil’s pack. Also very important is to let everybody know that foolish things that seems important, are useless. I mean power, money, alcohol. These stuff are only distractions that appear important.

Put your energy and focus towards GOD. That means LOVE towards FAITH that means RIGHTNESS towards PERSEVERANCE that means RESILIENCE.

The LORD’s message is unique and has to be followed because the feeling is of love for us, that are his sons. It is never too late to understand this message. Stop chasing appearances and let your soul explains its spirituality by glorifying GOD.

Reflection on Acts 14: 1-12 by Ivan

(Listen to podcast here)

Door of faith

When they had arrived and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations - Acts 14:27

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I remember a time when I was asked to help organize an event. After everything came together beautifully, someone publicly praised me for the success. For a moment, I felt proud, even tempted to soak in the applause. But deep down, I knew it wasn't just my work—it was a team effort, guided by God's hand. That experience taught me about the importance of humility and redirecting the spotlight to where it truly belongs.

 

Reading Acts 14:13-28, I'm reminded of this lesson. When Paul and Barnabas healed a man in Lystra, the crowd thought they were gods. Imagine how overwhelming that must have been—people ready to worship you, offering sacrifices in your honor. But Paul and Barnabas didn't hesitate to correct them, tearing their clothes and shouting that they were just human like everyone else. They pointed the people to the living God instead.

 

Giving Glory Where It's Due

It's easy to take credit when things go well in our lives, but Paul and Barnabas show us how to redirect the glory to God. Their humility challenges us to ask: In our everyday successes, do we remember to point others to God? Whether it's at work, school, or home, how often do we acknowledge His hand in our achievements?

 

Staying Strong in Hard Times

Later in the story, Paul is stoned and left for dead. Yet, instead of giving up, he gets up and goes back into the city. It's a striking example of courage and resilience. Most of us won't face physical stoning, but we all encounter moments when life knocks us down—harsh words, failures, or tough circumstances. Paul's response encourages us to lean on God for strength and to keep going, even when the journey is tough.

 

Building Each Other Up

What stands out most to me is how Paul and Barnabas returned to encourage the believers in the cities where they had faced persecution. They didn't let fear stop them from strengthening others in their faith. It's a reminder of how much we need community. Who in our lives might need encouragement right now? How can we remind them that God is with them, even in their struggles?

 

Trusting God's Bigger Plan

At the end of the journey, Paul and Barnabas share how God opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Their humility and trust in God's work are inspiring. Sometimes, we don't see immediate results from our efforts, and it's easy to feel discouraged. But this passage reminds us that the results are in God's hands, and He is always at work, even when we don't realize it.

 

Living the Lesson

This story challenges us to:

• Stay humble, giving glory to God in our achievements.
• Persevere in faith when things get tough.
• Encourage and build up the people around us.
• Trust God's plan, knowing He is working even in ways we can't see.

 

Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to share God's love, face challenges with courage, and lift each other up. Their journey may seem distant from our daily lives, but their lessons are as relevant today as they were then. Let's take those lessons to heart and live them out in our own unique paths.

Reflection on Acts 14:13-28 by Marlon Bobier Vargas, SVD

 

Set free

"Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses." – Acts 13: 38-39

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, the context of today's passage is that St. Paul, along with his companion Barnabas, is preaching to the Jews in Antioch at the synagogue. St. Paul is trying to convince the crowd in the synagogue about the greatness of the person of Jesus.  Jesus is greater than their ancestors David and Moses.  King David after his death experienced corruption, but Jesus did not. God raised Jesus without experiencing corruption. The laws given through Prophet Moses by God for the people could not set them free from all sins but Jesus could.

St. Paul makes it very clear that those who believe in the person of Jesus; there is forgiveness of sins. Jesus has the power to forgive our sins however big they may be. There is hope in the person of Jesus. The love of Jesus has no limitations. The only condition St. Paul is giving us to believe in Jesus and trust in him. As human beings we know how fragile and weak we are and at times we fail to have hope. The hope that we have is that Jesus can set us free from any clutches of sin.

St. Paul also tells the Jews that it is not easy to believe, but those who believe will see the miracles. Dear friends, let us also believe in the person of Jesus and see the miracles in our lives. Only Jesus can set us free.  We have only one Savior. Let us also ask Jesus to forgive us all our sins and set us free from all the bondages of sin.

 

Reflection on the Acts of the Apostles 13: 36-43 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

Lumen gentium | Instrument of Light

I have made you a light to the Gentiles that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth - Acts 13:47.

The Second Vatican Council in 1965 reaffirmed the need for the missionary activity of the Church. Its decree Ad gentes says that evangelization is one of the fundamental missions. This document calls for the formation of strong Christian communities and strong relations with the Christians.

As the Bible Sharing Group, we preach the Good News around the world. As one community of Christians from many countries, we keep sharing our reflections on the Word of God. We fulfill this ministry because we care for other Christians and for one another. 

The divine Word encourages us to be a light to our brothers and sisters. We want to become a light for Jesus every day as B.F. Sims wrote in his hymn. So we keep our lamps burning so that all may see and hear about our love towards Jesus Christ. We pray for the world not to be in darkness but in the light of the Gospel.  Through our ministry, we make this light shine all the world around us (see: www.hymnary.org). 

In this way, we also become an instrument in the hands of our Lord as Paul and Barnabas were in ancient times. Our goal is to gather the whole world to hear God's word. So we do not give up but invite new friends to join us and share their reflections. Although many people do not care about the Scriptures and our ministry, some are delighted when they read our blog Sacer esto, and listen to our podcast Vox Verbi Divini on Spotify and other platforms. 

Consequently, the ends of the earth can get the Good News and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. They are destined for eternal life through the love of the divine Word. Therefore, we are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. 

Reflection on Acts 13: 44-52 by Józef

(Listen to podcast here)

Ieiunantes | Fasted | EN |

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off - Acts 13:3

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This chapter of the Acts underlines two main points. The first is the mentioning of the new name of Paul for the first time. In fact, Paul (previously known as Saul) who at this point has already had is Damascene conversion, is now being commissioned to go into the world and bring the word of Jesus to the Gentiles and to everyone, so no longer just to the Jews alone. This is an important point in time, as it signifies the start of a new era in terms of evangelistic expansion; because the word of Jesus is brought to those who were not born as part to the original Covenant.

The second point is a reminder of the practice of fasting, which is a traditional practice that accompanies prayer. For the early Christians, prayer is accompanied by fasting, so as to align the body with the spirit. This goes back to Jewish practices also. 

Fasting is mentioned by Jesus in the Gospel several times. Pointing out that it should be just between us and God, not to boast about it with others. In Matthew  6: 17-18: "And when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting  may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father  who sees in secret will reward you."

To signify how much we do need God, but when we are comfortable, we do not feel we need God so much. Mark 2:20: "The days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them, and they will fast in that day."

To allude how powerful our prayer can be when we fast:  Mark 9: 29: "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting."

Of course, fasting does not necessarily means food alone. It can be anything we take comfort in. In renouncing it for a while, we are aligning our body with our spirit in prayer.

Reflection on Acts 13: 1-16 by Giulia

(Listen to podcast here)

Proclaiming | Evangelizamus

We ourselves are proclaiming this good news - Acts 13:22 (ABN).

Last week I participated in a workshop where 6 people shared their lives. They shared their problems and difficulties with other people. There were many sad stories and a lot of pain. We tried to find solutions to their issues.

It was also Mission Week in the Catholic Church. These days we become missionaries to the whole world. We proclaim the good news. But many of us focus on ourselves and our problems. We humans forget about the whole world because it is too big. So, we prefer to think about our small worlds and small arguments with others.

Obviously, there are solutions to our small problems. But usually, the best solution is to change our perspective. We don't need to stay in the center of the universe. There should be a place for Jesus Christ and his Good News about salvation, peace, love, etc.

Can we forget about ourselves for a while?

From Chapter 13 of Acts of Apostles, we learn that Paul is not sharing about his own life. He describes the power of God's grace in the lives of others like Abraham, King Saul, David, a man after God's heart, John the Baptist, and many others. Apostle Paul is a mature person who does not need to focus on himself anymore. He can put Jesus Christ, the Word of God, in the center of his story.

What about you? Are you ready for the same? Or are you still struggling and suffering? Maybe as a Christian, you forget about Christ. Your life is not more important than Jesus' story.

God the Father promised to raise you up from the death of your sins and weaknesses. Besides, he promised the benefits of the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ. You are his beloved child and his holy will be fulfilled also in your life if only you let him be in the center.  

Reflection on Acts 13:16-35 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Pulsans | Knocking | EN |

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished - Acts 12:16 (KJV)

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After Peter was freed from prison in a miraculous way, he came to a closed door of Mark’s mother’s house. He had to knock, and keep on knocking, before the other disciples came to the door. What a frustration it must have been! Knocking is related to hope. When you knock on a door, you have hope. A hope of seeing someone, a hope of speaking to someone, a hope of being with someone in their home.

In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus often teaches about knocking. In Luke 11:9 we read: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” We also read in John 10:9, our Lord Jesus says: "I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out and will find pasture." So we should also knock on our Lord Jesus' door and He will give us eternal life and peace in the green pastures.

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself say that He stands at the door and knock. In Revelation 3: 20 we read: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me." At first this looks like a verse written to unbelievers. However, this verse was in a letter to the church in Laodicea, it’s written to believers.

Jesus Christ calls us to hear His voice and open our heart’s door for Him to come in. We always have a choice. He leaves it up to us whether we hear His voice, open the door and invite Him in or not.

Reflection on Acts 12:12-25 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)