The early church did not bear its challenges alone

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

A reflection on the daily readings, for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

SO THE MOVE TOWARD the Gentiles grows even stronger today from those opposed to Paul and his teachings.

And so now Paul says it, as strongly and directly as is possible —

“From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Yikes! Was it ever to be the same?!

WHAT WAS TO COME — “After they have scourged him they will kill him.”

‘We do not know what he means’

And Jesus tried to explain, but they just couldn’t get it.

But somehow, miraculously, after so much misunderstanding — maybe it was finally through the gift of the Holy Spirit — they would get it, they did get it.

But we are watching the church here in the most striking moment of challenge and growth; the church was being led and challenged to open to and receive more than it could ever have imagined.

Only the Spirit could work the necessary challenges required at this moment of faith and of history.