Scattered

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Scattered

Courageous     Spirit-Filled

Eyewitnessing     Preaching     Proclaiming

Carry The Christian Message

Gathered

(picture and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   The Acts of the Apostles 8: 4 to 8

Now there were those disciples who had been scattered and they went out preaching the Word. Philip went to the city of Samaria and told them all about the Messiah. They all paid close attention to what Philip was saying when they heard him and also when the saw the amazing signs he was doing. Many were cured and unclean spirits came out of some and they were crying with a loud voice. Many who were paralyzed and crippled were also healed. The city was filled with joy!

(scripture adapted by John J. McNamara)

Reflection 

The disciples are losing no time in sharing the Word! They scatter all over the area and let everyone know about Jesus. They don't seem to be shy or intimidated after they experienced the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Such an example for all of us!

When we first think of scattered, we might turn our attention to our inability to focus. To be scattered for us might describe our typical day of going from one task to another.

The disciples scatter because they want to cover more ground. They don't just stay in Jerusalem with the early Christian community where they might have been accepted and comfortable. 

They show us that they are willing to take on new challenges for Jesus. As I reflect on that, I wonder "How willing am I to try new ways to bring the message of the Gospel to others?"

Do I get stuck in a rut and become reluctant to put myself in a situation where I might feel awkward and vulnerable? Many times when I have done that, it has worked out much better than I ever thought it would. Our God is frequently a God of Surprises!

Philip's preaching is accompanied by many amazing signs. I'm sure that helped his listeners to be more open to the teachings of the Gospel.

What are some of the signs that will accompany our witness to Jesus? Of course we never know, do we? We do well to leave all the signs in the hands of Jesus. He will take care of the signs!

I absolutely love the ending of this reading---"the city was filled with joy". What a great gift to leave to others when we try to share the Gospel. 

I always try to keep that in mind: the message of Jesus is Good News and it should lead all of us to a deeper joy. 

Time to scatter some JOY!

1. Do you find it hard to scatter for Jesus?

2. How do you feel when you are facing a new challenge?

3. What are some signs that have accompanied you as you tried to spread the Good News of Jesus? 

4. Have you found JOY in spreading the Gospel?