Reflection on Today’s Readings and the Memorial of St. Justin, Tuesday 1st June, 2022

Texts: Acts 20:28-38; Psalm68:33-35b and 36b; John 17: 11b-19

Paul, in today’s first reading, expressed his concern for the believers in Ephesus as Jesus Christ did for all of us. Both Paul and Jesus alert us on the reality of evil and the spirit of deception waiting to lead us astray. Paul, in his Farewell speech, reminded people of his selfless service in protecting them. In the case of Jesus  Christ it was a prayer to God and He affirmed before Him His selfless service in protecting the disciples.  

Paul and Jesus commend the people to God and the word of God for their safety. Paul says, “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Jesus puts it thus: “I have given them your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. ... Sanctify them in the Truth; your word is truth.”

Paul did not commend the people to man neither did Jesus do it. The only way we can be saved from evil and wolves is to trust in God and keep His words. Today’s psalm says, “Behold, he thunders his voice, his mighty voice. Come, acknowledge the power of God.” We need to acknowledge and affirm the power of God and His love and we are to show it in our actions. We have to stand with God always. We have to take the words of God seriously. The word of God is the truth by which we are sanctified. It is also the words of God that builds us up and give us the right of the saints. When we hold on to the word of God, we will not fall into evil and temptation.  

St. Justin, whose memorial is today, was a seeker of the truth. He found the truth in Jesus Christ. He defended the truth and gave up his life for the truth. Just like him we are to be lovers of truth, we are to seek it in Christ Jesus. The truth is found in Jesus Christ, nowhere else.  

Grant graciously to your Church, O merciful God, that, gathered by the Holy Spirit, she may be devoted to you with all her heart and united in purity of intent. Amen (Collect)

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke