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| Paul ordaining Timothy |
Fr Richard's words for the Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter
A different direction
The story of Paul and Timothy’s evangelising mission provides
a great lesson in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In today’s reading,
when the evangelists were set on going to a particular place to preach the Gospel,
the Holy Spirit directed them to a different place. They did not question the
will of God but followed it immediately and faithfully. Then, St Paul is convinced
that his vision of a Macedonian asking him to go to that place and evangelise
there was the call of God.
Timothy and Paul took to heart the words of Jesus in today’s
Gospel: “A servant is not greater than his master.” Despite taking decisions
themselves on seemingly noble courses of action, they had the humility to
accept God’s will for their mission and ditch their original plans.
At times in our lives, we can go down particular paths that are
good, wholesome and well intentioned in themselves. But then, if we’re open to
the promptings of the Spirit, He can surprise us and direct us to another path
according to His will – whether it be to do with a small decision we have to
take, or whether it’s as big as discerning our vocation.
Personally, for a time, I thought my “path” was to attempt
to get a good reporter’s job on (I hoped) a national newspaper and get married
and have kids. But the Lord had different plans! He knew from the beginning of
time that I was to be His priest.
“Not my will, but your will be done” (Lk 22:42) is the only
response that will bring us true and lasting happiness.
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