April 18, 2018 Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter B

Acts of the Apostles 8:1-8

Psalm 66

John 6:35-40

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.  Acts 8:4

Lord, we’ve all experienced really good coming from what we first thought was really bad.  A passenger misses his train which later has an accident on the tracks.   A diagnosis of a minor illness becomes a warning sign of a serious disease which is cured.  A persecution in Jerusalem causes your disciples to be scattered and they preach good news to people who are saved in faith.   The blood of your martyr Steven and the following persecution by Saul resulted in many, many conversions and souls saved in unexpected places.  This is a wonderful story of the victory of your cross and resurrection overcoming oppression, fear and death.  The light of the gospel cannot be contained or defeated.  The power of your grace to transform darkness into light is my hope.  When trouble comes to me I can look for moments of grace where you are found.  Phillip cast out demons and healed in your name.  He undoubtedly told the Samaritans that you do not reject anyone who comes to you.  May I, today, be a light to someone’s darkness.  Amen.