Be grateful for those who guide you

Find today’s readings here.

Jesus prophesies about a world after his ascension in today’s Gospel. And in the Acts of the Apostles, in today’s first reading, we witness an early church growing in the wake of his human absence.

“On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you,” Jesus says to his disciples. “For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

He, the Word incarnate, will leave his disciples—and us—redeemed in the light of God the Father, free to worship without his real-life, flesh-and-blood hand leading the way every second of the day. 

So outside of the Eucharist, we find ourselves a bit like Apollos, the enthused Jewish man from Alexandria in today’s first reading, spreading word of Jesus boldly, even recklessly. And it takes the guidance of those close to God and close to Scripture to put him on a better path.

Priscilla and Aquila, who correct his preaching, and the brothers of Ephesus, who aid his evangelical travels onward, become Christlike as advocates for Apollos.

When faced with the vastness of God’s work in my life at different times, I know I have been confused about next steps. I know I have been quite incorrect in what I thought was measured discernment. I also know that I have found the great consolations of my life at the end of paths that others put me on. 

In a world where we are constantly seeking closeness to Christ, my best decisions have been guided by some of the most grace-filled Priscillas and Aquilas of the world. I am thankful for everyone who has taken me aside as they did to Apollos. Who has seen the zeal in your heart and done the very same for you?