Stephen and Philip are only minor characters in the Acts of the Apostles. By far the major figure in Acts is Paul. (He was called Saul in Hebrew and Paul in the Greek language.) Saul was going about his business, rounding up Christians to be sent back to Jerusalem for trial, when God has an appointment with him. Saul didn't have an appointment with God, but God had an appointment with him. God was not at all polite about getting his attention either. God knocks him to the ground and speaks to him. When Paul gets up he is blind. His fellow deputies escort him on to Damascus and find him a room. While there, God gives Saul a vision of a man named Ananias visiting him, laying hands on him, and restoring his vision. Meanwhile, God is speaking to Ananias about Saul. Understandably, Ananias, a follower of Jesus, knowing who Saul is, doesn't want to go see him. But God insists, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name" (Acts 9:15-16). So Ananias keeps his divine appointment with Saul and Saul is healed. For reflection: What does Jesus have to do to get my attention? Do I have a regular appointment time to listen to Jesus? Am I keeping it? Or am I on vacation from God? Let us pray. Jesus, I apologize for not keeping my appointment time with you, for not listening and for not seeing what you want me to see. Open my eyes. Open my ears.
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AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
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