Adnuntiaturus | Proclaim light

“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” - Acts 26:19-23

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This passage is part of Saint Paul's defense before King Agrippa, a strong testimony of his work and mission, of his faith in God. It illustrates his unwavering commitment to the call he received from God. 

He begins by emphasizing that he was "not disobedient to the heavenly vision". He responded to God's calling actively, by proclaiming the message from God  from the moment he received it. The message is "that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance". It is not just a call for conversion but for transformation. Genuine repentance involves a change in behaviour, a shift that affects not just beliefs but actions as well. That is why it is so often difficult to follow, and why the teachings of Jesus are often not well-received by others. Proclaiming these teachings certainly requires courage and persistence. Living out one's faith often comes with hardship. As Paul says himself: "For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me".

Yet, we should still follow the example of Paul, who despite the danger, proclaimed boldly the Word. When we do that, we might also notice and be able to say with Paul that "I have had the help that comes from God". God is faithful and gives His grace in the midst of our trials. Even if we face opposition in our faith journey, we are not alone. God provides the strength and support we need to endure and remain faithful to His calling.

Christ’s death and resurrection give meaning and purpose to the message of repentance and all hardships on the journey of faith. It's the central truth of our faith: "the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles". This fact gives us hope and light. This is also the light and hope we are called to carry and share with others.

Reflection on Acts 26: 19-23 by Agata

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