Acts 11:12
"The Spirit told me to accompany them..."
Today is known as "Star Wars Day," since speaking aloud the date (May 4th) is reminiscent of that famous line in which members of the Jedi wish "may the Force be with you."
In today's First Reading, Peter recounts his experience at prayer in Joppa and says something surprisingly similar to what a Jedi might say: "The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating," (Acts 11:12). He follows this prompting of the Spirit and, as we hear in the story's conclusion, it brings about the opportunity for others to glorify God.
Understanding the Holy Spirit's promptings can feel a bit like the mysterious "Force" from Star Wars: "if I'm not causing items to levitate or using healing powers (such as those of Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian) then I must not be living in the Spirit." This is not true! As today's First Reading shows us, even what would seem like a very simple prompting to follow someone and courageously share the Good News of the Gospel with him or her became a tremendously Spirit-filled moment.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Deacon Connor Penn, Fourth Theology
Home parish: Corpus Christi, Temple Terrace
Did you know...
I am so excited to begin priestly ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg at St. Catherine of Siena in Largo!
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
