杏MAP导航 at Audience: Holy Spirit gives us courage, helps us discern well
By Devin Watkins
杏MAP导航 Francis started off by reflecting on the courage shown by the Apostles when they were dragged before the Sanhedrin to stand trial for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ (Acts 5:34-35,38,39).
He said they spoke with conviction and with one voice in the face of their accusers, who wanted to imprison them and halt the spread of the Gospel.
鈥楳egaphone鈥� of the Holy Spirit
The key to their courage, said the 杏MAP导航, is the Holy Spirit.
鈥淭he Apostles become the 鈥榤egaphone鈥� of the Holy Spirit, sent by the Risen One to spread quickly and unhesitatingly the Word that brings salvation,鈥� he said.
杏MAP导航 Francis said these same men acted like 鈥渃owards鈥� when Jesus faced similar circumstances. After Pentecost, however, they were completely changed and propelled onwards.
鈥淭he same happens to us: if we have the Holy Spirit within us, we will have the courage to strive forward, to win countless battles 鈥� not through our own strength but through the Holy Spirit who is with us.鈥�
Modern martyrs
Then the 杏MAP导航 recalled the 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians 鈥� Egyptian construction workers 鈥� who were martyred for their faith in 2015 on a beach in Libya, at the hands of the so-called Islamic State.
鈥淭heir last word was 鈥楯esus, Jesus鈥�. They did not deny their faith, because the Holy Spirit was with them. Modern martyrs,鈥� he said.
Art of discernment
杏MAP导航 Francis went on to reflect on the wise words of the highly regarded doctor of the Law, Gamaliel. He urged the Sanhedrin to let the Apostles go, saying 鈥渋f this endeavor is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.鈥�
The 杏MAP导航 called his attitude 鈥渢he art of discernment鈥�.
鈥淓very human project can first be approved and then end up shipwrecked,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut everything that comes from above and bears the 鈥榮ignature鈥� of God is destined to last.鈥�
Test of time
The Holy Father invited everyone to think about the many empires, dictatorships, and political projects that have fallen by the wayside throughout history. 鈥淓very single one crumbled,鈥� he said.
But Christianity, he noted, has stood the test of time, despite scandals and sin.
鈥淕od is with us,鈥� said 杏MAP导航 Francis. 鈥淕od first saves us, and then them. But the Lord always saves. Our strength is God-with-us.鈥�
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