6th Week of Easter: St Justin, martyr – Saturday, 1st June 2019

Apollos was a very eloquent and learned man. He proclaimed the gospel accurately and with enthusiasm. But that was not quite enough — some took him aside to explain the message in greater depth. We all have something to learn from one another and we should all be open to instruction and revising our opinions. Eloquence and learning are great, but alone they are not enough.

Jesus assured his followers that God would grant whatever they asked in his name. To ask in Jesus’ name means to have put on the mind and heart of Christ. Jesus was able to promise this to his disciples because he was sending the Spirit to them, who would continue to dwell in their hearts and in the community. Asking for something from God requires a close relationship, and there can be no closer relationship than an encounter with the Lord Jesus. Let us never be afraid to ask but let us also understand that God is not there just to indulge our whims and desires. Asking means loving and obeying his commandments and sharing God’s gifts with others.

Lord, grant me an open heart and mind.