Powerful words

He came to proclaim the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.

But loud, hateful words were flung at him.

So we hear in today’s first reading (Acts 13:44-52):

"...they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.

So also has it happened in these days as the Successor of Peter has been visiting the United States (although not as much as one might have feared): a hateful man on his “comedy” show, hateful men with bullhorns, and hateful commentators with snide and specious observations.

Scripture tells us that Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas responded to this opposition by speaking out boldly and that the end result was a mighty work of God, bringing salvation to the peoples of the world.

As it was then, so may it be now
- through the ministry of Saint Peter’s successor
and through our own faithful witness
of Christ’s love, truth, and hope -
despite the hateful words of puerile men,
may the all-powerful word of our Lord Jesus Christ
be glorified and continue to spread.