Seventh Week of Easter : Saturday, 18th May 2024

Paul arrived in Rome after a gruelling sea journey.  Though guarded by a soldier, he had his own rented lodging. Paul seemed to be more welcomed, stable and independent with his needs. In meeting the leading Jews (v 17), he explained clearly his innocence. He had not revolted against their own people or customs. His appeal to Caesar was to clear the baseless accusations against him. In fact, it was “on account of the hope of Israel that he had to wear the chain” (v29). So, all who came to visit him over ‘the two years’ could hear him freely proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about “the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ without hindrance” (v31). Later, he wrote to Timothy of this experience that the Word of God cannot be chained (2 Tim 2:9).

To follow Jesus faithfully is to seize every opportunity to declare innocence against traitors seeking a scapegoat for their misdeed. In the final episode of John’s Gospel, Jesus’ word to Peter, “why bother others? You are to follow Me.”(Jn 21:22), highlights that betrayal is full of accusatory records. We could, like the beloved disciple, vouch for the testimonies of Jesus’ innocence and loving that have transformed lives indeed. This day Paul, Peter, and John taught us that to follow Jesus is to counter the waves of accusatory mindset. Can we walk in their same path?

 Lord, grant us the strength to endure the demands of the Good News.