Fada Asore

Claim it if you believe

Sosthenes: The Scapegoat
(Reflection on Acts 18:9-18)

The Jews accused Paul of persuading the people to worship God in a way that breaks the law. So what did they do? They bundled him before Gallio the Proconsul of Achaia for his verdict of prosecution. But to their greatest surprise and even before Paul could speak in defence, Gallio brushed the case aside without wanting to interfere in internal religious matters.

Sosthenes:The Scapegoat
The Jews felt humiliated and looking for someone to vent their frustrations on, they pounced on Sosthenes the President of the Synagogue and beat him up mercilessly. The reason could be that since Sosthenes was the president of the synagogue, he could have done more towards the prosecution of Paul.

That must have been a difficult time for Sosthenes the synagogue leader. But despite this attack a year later, the same man is seen in 1 Corinthians 1:1 to be a believer, and a close associate of Paul who together co-authored the Letter to the Corinths. His suffering became for him a pathway to Salvation.

Take home message;
Let your difficult moments drive you to Jesus

Stay Safe
Fada Asore (D Villa Priest)

A Priest who Lost his Fire 🔥

One of the easiest ways through which Priests normally lose their fire 🔥 is having a Cold ❄️ Assembly.

(This piece is not to make excuses for the Priest but more to encourage the Assembly to be more Collaborative)

Growing up we came across Priests that moved us, Priests who were fire brands, zealous, ferocious in preaching the Gospel, eloquent and outspoken, commanding in self esteem and character et cetera. And after some time looking at them now, we begin to ask; what happened?

Oftentimes, experiences and the environment can negatively influence and reshape even the holiest of people if care is not taken.

Oh! This Priest is very passive, he is absent minded, he doesn't care, he lacks concern and interest, he ain't smart and so on. These are not excuses but on the other hand, check his environment.Check the flock.

No Priest at his ordination chooses to be any of these. His desire was to become the best for God and the people in the best possible ways.

A priest can easily lose his fire when the people are hostile to the Gospel not in spoken words but in attitude that in many places arise due to lack of interest and faithlessness.

Nothing hurts a Priest more than a discouraging assembly. An assembly that has lost hope. An assembly that chants and praises yet does not believe. An assembly that are Catholics only in name but not in practise.

A Priest in this kind of situation becomes a struggling Priest. He often complains of having tried all the approaches to gather the flock and to keep them going. He exposes the Blessed Sacrament daily but only three persons are present. He does monthly prayers yet no response. He does Catechesis yet no improvement. He organises and pushes for Societal meetings and Zones but the people are so accustomed to coming for Mass only. Lateness is top notch despite the continuous change of time to see what suits them and their activities et cetera.

When he speaks out the response is; you ain't doing enough, organise spiritual and Catholic based activities, speak to their consciences like St. Ambrose, study and be very eloquent like St. Augustine et cetera. When he decides to relax and stop worrying himself, Oh! he is not capable.

To all Priests also, approaches are never enough. Approaches must be backed up with the two P's; Patience and Prayers.

Remember! You are just a vessel God is using. Tell God on such occasions, Holy Father, touch their hearts 💕 they are yours, wherever they are, make them remember on the need to come home to you.

Do not be discouraged. Keep the flames alive. God recognises the effort you are making. Your efforts are not wasted. For the sake of the few who know what you are doing, keep on pushing.

Fada Asore (D Villa Priest)

God is not asleep
Men may say; the case is closed, the story is over
And God will say; I'm just starting

Have a Blessed Week
Stay Safe
God Loves you Regardless

Fada Asore (D Villa Priest)

The Promise of the Counsellor

Yes! I am going but spiritually through the Holy spirit, the Counsellor, I am still present with you. I am going yet I am will continue to intercede on your behalf to my Father. I will stop being with you physically but that doesn't stop the connection I have with you. What I share with you is not limited by time frame but it's eternal. Yes! I am going but don't ever feel alone because I am still walking with you through the Holy Spirit in times of Joy and sorrow.

Happy Sunday to you all