last, past, now, and later
"I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit and not knowing what will happen to me there." —Acts 20:22
Paul met with the leaders of the Ephesian church for the last time. They would never see his face again (Acts 20:25). Each of us also regularly see people for the last time. Under these circumstances, can we say what Paul said? Can we say that we've "told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"? (see Acts 20:20, 27) Have we "insisted solemnly on repentance before God and on faith in our Lord Jesus"? (Acts 20:21) Have we lived and served in humility? (Acts 20:18-19) Have we gone about preaching God's kingdom? (Acts 20:25)
Many of us can't say our good-byes and maintain we've acted like Paul. We must repent. The Spirit will help us by proving us wrong about sin, justice, and condemnation (Jn 16:8). Furthermore, the Spirit will give us the power to be Jesus' witnesses to those we have not yet seen for the last time on earth. The Holy Spirit repairs the past, fills the present, and fulfills the future. Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, by the Spirit change my regrets into thanksgivings and my fears into joys.
Promise: "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." —Jn 17:3
Praise: Albert's past held abuse, gang crime, and prison time. Jesus rescued him and now he's working for the Lord and preparing others for eternity.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 9, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 15, 1996