Religiosus | Devout man | EN |

"He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God." – Acts 10:2

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, as we live in a multi-religious context. Today's Bible passage is an eye-opener for each one of us. We come across a man whose name is Cornelius who was a centurion of the Italian Cohort. It is mentioned in that passage that he was a God- fearing man who gave alms to the people and also constantly prayed to God. I am sure that you all must have come across such a person in your life who is not a Christian. People who are sincere and genuine in their relationship with God. Genuine prayers from the heart are always answered by God which we read in Acts 10:4 –"Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God."

In this passage we can see how the Holy Spirit is leading Cornelius in the right direction in following God. The Holy Spirit is asking Peter to visit the family of Cornelius without any hesitation. Peter being a Jew and Cornelius being a Gentile it was not possible for both of them to meet each other. But the Holy Spirit is opening up the heart of Peter to take us to this challenge. The outcome of this visit is that the whole family of Cornelius became strong followers of Jesus.

Let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God wants us to lead many more Corneliuses to him. Once we co-operate with God, he can make use of us as his instruments to bring many people closer to him. Just like Cornelius, let us also raise up our genuine prayers constantly to God. Amen.

 

Reflection on Acts 10: 1-33 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

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Tabitha | EN |

"Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up - Acts 9:40

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Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:36-43)

This fragment mentions Tabitha, her death and revival by St. Peter. We know about her that "she was full of good works and acts of charity". After her death, the disciples asked St. Peter to come to them as soon as possible. They remembered the deceased, cried and they also told the apostle about her good deeds. It is clear they loved the woman and that her death was sorrowful for them.

We know little about Tabitha, but we can learn a lot from her. Many of us have a tendency to empty words. We often say a lot and do little, sometimes we don't even do the few things we promise. Our words or even the desire to do good are often not followed by deeds.

We should imitate those who, like Tabitha, are "full of good works". We don't know if she spoke a lot or little, but her deeds confirmed her faith, her goodness won others over to her. Because people often remember better what we did than what we said. They remember the actions, the feelings it evoked, and words are often forgotten.

If we passed away now, how would those who knew us remember us? As a person who did a lot of good? Or maybe just as someone who only talked a lot? Or as someone who was not even interested in the people around them and their needs?

However, we should also be careful not to try to be remembered at all costs. It is not a rule that people always appreciate our efforts and deeds. Many of them will go unnoticed or forgotten. However, they are always visible before God. And ultimately, it is He who we must please. Even if people do not remember us, do not appreciate us, as the Gospel of Matthew says, "your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Mt 6:4).

Reflection on Acts 9:36-43 by Agata Wierzbowska

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Intellegere | Understand | EN |

Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” - Acts 8:30

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The encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian is one of several conversions we encounter in the Acts: Simon (Acts 8:3-25) and Cornelius (Acts 10: 1-48). The Ethiopian is also a eunuch, which makes the story significant as eunuchs were excluded from Temples and spiritual life, therefore he is by all effects an outcast. Yet the eunuch is seeking God and his seeking is answered.

God sends to him Philip and the angel so that his conversion is possible. Whoever seeks God sincerely will have an answer, no matter who he or she is. The eunuch at the same time is also unsure of his own understanding, in fact Philip asks him: "Do you understand what you are reading?" And the Ethiopian answers: "How can I unless someone guides me". This is fundamental: the word of God. His truth contained in the Bible can be easily misunderstood, misinterpreted and distorted. So we all need the correct interpretation, the correct guide, apt to instruct and explain to all of us the Word of God in the only correct way. In this case Philip has this role for the Ethiopian. 

For all of us it is the Church who has the role to guide us in the correct interpretation, to teach us. The Church has also the inclusiveness to welcome anyone through her doors, no one is excluded. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, an outcast is accepted and guided in the correct understanding, and can rejoice in the Word.

Similarly, we all are guided and can rejoice in the Resurrection, as we are enabled to see beyond the text and into the risen Jesus. 

Reflection on Acts 8:26-40 by Giulia

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