Sedatus | Calm

Be calm and do not act hastily -Acts 19:36

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We often hear the sentence above when there is chaos, whether mass chaos involving many people or chaos involving our own inner struggles when facing difficult situations.  In facing life's difficulties, we are faced with several alternative solutions to problems, including drinking alcohol, karaoke and dancing happily in the pub, being alone, etc.  Today through the acts of the apostles, as Christians or followers of Christ we are reminded to always be calm and not to rush into action. Calmness can bring us inner peace and enlightenment if we truly follow our inner voice or conscience.  Conscience can only be heard when we are calm and quiet.

There is a time for everything, and there is also a time for suffering, for struggle, time for serenity and peace, for sorrow and happiness that we are experiencing.  Therefore, we should always be grateful to God, the Giver of life and the Determinant of human destiny.  In several incidents, many people died in very tragic conditions due to the brutal actions of their fellow men because of revenge, anger, jealousy and so on.  We cannot control ourselves completely when worldly things dominate us and we move away from God.  Satan takes full advantage of this opportunity to destroy human life. 

Let us try to call on God's name, seek God in all situations of life before going too far. Calm with God will bring goodness, blessings and graces.  Remember, never rush away again from God.

Reflection on Acts 19:28-41  by Sr Yanti Purnawati SFSC

(Listen to podcast here)

Nomen Domini Iesu | The Lord Jesus

"The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17).

At Christmas, we beheld the Child Jesus in the Bethlehem manger, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Annually, we contemplate the profound mystery of our faith, the Incarnation of the Son of God. Although we meditate on these Gospel passages for so many years, Jesus Christ still remains a mystery to us. We understand Him all the more, the more strongly we believe in His holy name.

The Apostle Paul performed mighty miracles in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But those who tried to misuse this name were met with failure. For only those who possess true faith in the Son of God can penetrate the mysteries of the Lord's Holy Name. "In this way the word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power” (v. 20). Does the name of Jesus permeate your whole being? Do you grow in strength thanks to the power of the name of Jesus? Do you become like Jesus Christ for your sisters and brothers? 

In the contemporary world, as in antiquity, much confusion surrounds the Christian faith. Some people seem to play with the name of the Jesus Christ. There are also people who only call themselves Christians. Sometimes, like Apostle Paul, we have to leave such environment. Sometimes you have to go to another place so as not to perish spiritually. Some people are constantly caught up in the pursuit of material goods. Even we often succumb to the illusion of wealth and prosperity. 

The mentality of this world will always be in conflict with the mentality of Christians who decide to follow in the footsteps of the Master from Nazareth. The gods of this world are no gods for us who believe in the Lord Jesus, who is the begotten Son of God. The vanity of this world and worldly glitz are illusions that lead to disaster and misfortune. Only people who live in the name of Jesus Christ, like the Apostle Paul, can oppose these dangerous temptations.

Therefore, let us not be afraid of those who shout in the name of their idols. We, in the name of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, pray: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Reflection by Józef Trzebuniak on Acts 19:11-27.

(Listen to podcast here)