Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Contrary to what we may think, the practice of meekness does not create a world of submission and pain. Faithful meekness trains us to handle obstacles and to persist through adversity. True meekness teaches us to listen, to witness, and to respond as God directs. Honest meekness turns the other cheek in an invitation to join Christ’s mystical body. Authentic meekness steps forward into the world despite any threat to reputation, stamina or strength.
Today’s Noontime is a snippet of the story of life in the early Church. Footnotes will tell us that Antioch was an important missionary center after the focus shifted away from Jerusalem and we see how jealousy begins to simmer when Paul and Barnabas attract more followers to The Way. The result of their meekness in Christ is conflict . . . and at first glance this may seem to be a failure.
There are three important elements in this story for us to remember.
First, we see how thirsty people are to hear The Word. Verse 44 tells us that nearly the entire city turns out to hear Paul and Barnabas speak. The result of Christ’s meekness is celebrity.
Second, when the missionaries are eventually forced out of the city by the jealous and powerful, Christ’s Word and Christ’s Way are easily dispersed throughout the Roman Empire, into the West and Europe. The result of Christ’s meekness is endurance.
Third, when looking at verses 51 and 52 we find that the disciples make a statement through their witnessing rather than through an act of aggression. The result of Christ’s meekness is quiet power.
A grain of wheat falls to the ground and bursts open so that the stalk may grow in fertile soil. We see the grain of wheat being trod on here, and crushed into fertile ground. Conflict and strife bear fruit through Christ and we see that the result of Christ’s meekness is not failure. It is an abundant harvest.
And so we pray.
Good and Gracious God,
Teach us to speak of you in such a way that we call others to follow you.
Fill us with your Spirit in such a way that we find patience for the journey.
Remind us of our redemption by your Son in such a way that we remember to thank you.
Call us to our higher selves in such a way that we find power in you.
Stay with us in such a way that we delight in the practice of meekness.
Bless us in such a way that our meekness brings results for you.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Tomorrow, rejecting idols . . . the importance of meekness . . .
Image from: https://www.cutlermiles.com/saints-paul-and-barnabas-in-lystra-jacob-jordaens/
A re-post from April 21, 2020.
The Noontimes 
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