The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord....
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
T he Acts of the Apostles describes a curious contrast between the opponents of the gospel and those who welcome it. While the latter are elated first by the cures which so amply demonstrated the power of Jesus's name, the former are enraged.
Ordinarily, when people encounter anger they get angry in reply. I suppose it's a fight-or-flight response, something built into our human nature, that prepares for verbal or physical combat. But Saint Luke describes the newly converted believers as "delighted" and "filled with joy."
This too, we can suppose, is a wonderful work of God, like the disciples' healings and like the signs that Jesus offered to opponents and disciples before his crucifixion. This human response of laughter at one's violent opponents, and steadfast resistance to their threats, reveals the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit. It is real, substantial, and undeniable.
Clearly, responses like defensive anger and self-righteousness do not reveal the presence of God. If anything they show a false and jealous claim upon God and his word. But that word so zealously proclaimed will wither and die in the noontime heat. The anger reveals its shallow roots in rocky soil. And the anger may solidify as a lifelong resentment with countless retelling of tiresome stories about how I was right and they were wrong!
The rejoicing gentiles in Luke's stories saw clearly that God was doing what they could not do for themselves, a powerful work which neither civil nor religious authorities could undo.
"Lord, please give me this free spirit which does not fear opposition, laughs at threats, and rejoices in your presence amid your mighty deeds."
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.