Monday of the Second Week of Easter
What would I do in the face of persecution? During these seasons in which we take a deep dive into the Acts of the Apostles, I find myself wondering about that. However, in light of today's readings, I am left to ponder a less often considered threat.
Paul and Barnabas remain faithful in the face of persecution during the first half of our reading from Acts. The second half is what presents the aforementioned threat. In the second half, Paul and Barnabas are not persecuted but adored. They no longer need to fear for the preservation of their lives but of their humility. They've experienced a very dangerous switching of the spotlight.
Often we believe that the most dangerous spotlight to the Christian is the "prison-style spotlight." The spotlight that is the harsh eye of persecution. But Paul and Barnabas show equal concern for the "stage-style spotlight." The affirming, warm glow of adoration and boundless acceptance. The danger is not that they are loved and accepted, but that by being in the limelight God has been cast into the shadow.
It would be so easy would to lose our way when receiving that kind of hero worship! Are we ready to step out of the way? Are we grounded enough in prayer and the Lord's acceptance of us that we are not tossed about by the fickle acceptance of other people? Are we prepared not only to fail and sustain our trust in God, or have we also trained to succeed and yet remain humble before God?
Paul and Barnabas pray for us as we face acceptance and rejection and help us always turn people's gaze from us and toward Jesus.
- Spencer Hargadon