The first reading today highlights Paul. Paul is remarkable to me. He was so zealous when he found Jesus. And like us, he never got to meet Jesus when he walked this earth but was told by others about Him. Paul’s zeal landed him in great trouble and yet, as in this first reading, even from the prison of his home, guarded closely, he continued to see people and proclaim the good news. Paul’s spirited disposition, words, and actions invite me to reflect on my own. When I am experiencing my “prisons” in life, e.g. things that don’t go my way, not being treated kindly, “stuck” in a situation and not moving forward, honestly the last thing I think of is proclaiming the good news. Paul had an ongoing spirit, a joy, a zeal for the Lord that is so admirable. In the face of so much turmoil, confrontation, and imprisonment, he didn’t give up; he just kept talking about Jesus (and pleading his own case, of course). He spoke of how Jesus wants us to live, to be joyful and not be afraid, to do good, and to turn away from sin. Paul has a lot of great messages that just spring from his foundation in Christ. It truly is admirable and brings to mind the phrase “joy in the Lord.” I think Paul’s deeply rooted foundation in Christ truly brought him this zeal and this joy in the Lord. What a gift to have!
I believe we could all have this joy in the Lord. Of course, it will be displayed through our own personality and our own life’s circumstances, but it certainly would be a beautiful thing to feel inside and be a true gift to the world as we proclaim the good news of the risen Lord in our own way through our own life.
Kathy Kemler
I was blessed to serve as the Director of the Creighton University Retreat Center until my retirement in 2025. It was such a gift to see all the graces that flow through the nature-filled space. After a first career in human resources, I attended the Creighton Christian Spirituality Program and received Maasters in Christian Spirituality and a Spiritual Direction Certificate which eventually led me to my work at the Retreat Center in 2021. In retirement, I enjoy continuing my spiritual direction ministry as I accompany others on their spiritual journey and have the honor of hearing how God is working in others’ lives.
I am grateful to participate in the Online Ministries reflections as the Living Word continues to speak directly into my life and others’ lives who seek God’s love, care and wisdom.
