Sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes, we become frustrated, disappointed, and upset. Sometimes, we think we’re doing a bang-up job when someone comes along and gives us a slap on the side of the head with a major dose of reality. This is what St. Paul encountered in Macedonia in today’s scripture reading (Acts 18:1-8).
There he is, completely consumed in preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, when he is opposed, reviled and denied by the Jews. Out of complete frustration, he cries out, “Fine, don’t listen to me! I am done with you! Your blood be on your heads! I am clear of responsibility!” But instead of completely giving up out of frustration and disappointment, Paul is determined to spread the news of Jesus. So he changes direction and approaches the situation from a completely different angle.
How many times do we give up when things don’t go the way we want? How many times have we thrown in the towel because we weren’t being heard? How can we continue to spread the Good News of the risen Lord in a world that doesn’t seem to care about anyone but themselves?
Jesus tells us that we will grieve, but our grief will become joy (John 16:16-20). If we continue to seek God, pray to God, serve God, live according to the Word of God, and spread God’s love to others, we will accomplish great things in the Lord’s name.
Does our world want to hear this message of forgiveness, sacrifice, and love? Not necessarily. But it’s a message that needs to be proclaimed and lived out every single day by each one of us. Sure, we may temporarily grieve out of frustration, but that will eventually be replaced with incredible joy.
When the world attacks our faith, our beliefs, and our Christian way of living, let us boldly cry out: I will never give up, I will never give in, and I will always strive to live the Gospel no matter what. That is our responsibility. That is our calling.
