Move on

Where the Ascension is not celebrated on this day, in the first reading of the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter (Acts 18:1-8), St. Paul is opposed and reviled by people he is trying to bring to Christ. At one point, he shakes out his garments, says to them, “Your blood be on your heads! I am clear of responsibility,” and goes on to spread God’s word to others.

The work of conversion is ultimately the work of God: we are but instruments.

It is important for us to be prudent and persistent in trying to help others accept Christ, but it is also important for us to recognize when it is time for us to move on: not to focus endlessly on our bringing particular individuals to faith, but to know when we must leave these people to other instruments in God’s toolbox and reach out to others with the message we bear.