The Venerable-Martyr Theodosia the Virgin (286-305)
Abstinence from meat and foods that contain meat
Read
Acts 27:1-44; John 17:18-26
This account of Paul’s and the other prisoners’ voyage begins on almost a comical note. Imagine the ridiculousness of Paul, a prisoner and one of those dastardly Christians, prophesying to the centurion and ship captain about the pending danger. Their immediate reaction surely would have been to brush him off—after all, he a prisoner and a nobody.
The centurion’s attitude changed when Paul’s predictions about how the voyage would go started to come true. He started to listen to Paul and even had all prisoner’s kept safe in order to save Paul. He understood that there was something special about Paul and that he was worth saving and listening to, even if it meant that the other prisoners might escape.
What isn’t clear is whether the centurion understood why Paul was worth saving. He just understood that Paul had already foresaw what was going to happen and that it was wise to follow his instructions. Paul was able to do this because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He submitted His life to Christ and, in return, was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this instance, this gift of the Holy Spirit manifested itself as prophecy.
Everyone who submits their life to Christ is filled with the Holy Spirit and receives special gifts. These gifts manifest themselves in different people in different ways, but they are always there. It would be wise to think about the people in your life who are truly devoted to Christ, and discern what those gifts are. It would be wise to look at your own life and see what the Holy Spirit has enabled you to do.
This is especially pertinent as we approach the Feast of Pentecost when we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. The Holy Spirit empowered them to bring the Gospel of Christ to all nations. By your Baptism and Chrismation, you are also called to bring the Gospel to all nations and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit needed to make this happen. What you need to do is ask for the Holy Spirit to make his power and life manifest in you, so that you can manifest Christ to others.