Wednesday May 27,2009 of the 7t Week of Easter

Readings: ACTS 20: 28-38 Psalm 68: 29-30, 33-36ab John 17: 11b-19
Respaonse: " Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth"

The presbyters and overseers, relate to our present day Priests and Bishops. these words from ACTS are aonfirmation of the Tradition of the Church to appoint Bishops, who, in turn consecrate Priests to serve the people as he had served the Asiatic countries.
It must have been a heartwrenching scene as paul gave his final blessing and advise. They were truly distressed at the prospect of never seeing his dace again. Oral tradition claimed Paul was short, balding, with a long nose; not the picture of the current vogue.
However, his last words to themwas to be vigilent to the teachings he had related to hem and not stray from the truth when other gospels are presented as the truths they must engage.
Pointing out his mission was to serve,without recompense,by the work of his hands, he was a tentmaker and plied his trade along with Priscilla and Aquila who were his partners. Therefore, their preaching the Gospel should not bring them wealth and stature but rather guidence of the Lord.

The Gospel passage relates Jesus' insistence on the unity with which they were to sustain each other. His prayer was for them to be one in word and deed so no one could accuse them of controversy or stirring up emotions. the necessary ingredients of their faithwhich they were to hand on weren't negotiable.
Thanks t our Churches vigilence, the unchanging message has been kept as in a vault.
Pray it will always be so and you will not be tempted by the allures of fashion.