"without any hindrance whatever"(acts 28:31)
"Who was I to be able to hinder God?" —Acts 11:17, RNAB
St. Peter asks an excellent question: "Who was I to be able to hinder God?" (Acts 11:17) It's God's plan to work through people like St. Peter and like you and me. It's a great mystery that God, Who is all-powerful, would put Himself in such a position that we humans have the capability to hinder Him!
Peter's question should also be on our lips as well. How many times and ways have we been able to hinder God in His work on earth? As the leader of this One Bread, One Body ministry, I am in a position to be able to hinder some of God's work through this book, and, sad to say, I have hindered God a lot. Yet He continues to use this booklet fruitfully both because of me and despite me. I often imagine what God could do with this booklet if I never hindered Him, but always helped Him, and even hastened His work (2 Pt 3:12).
Think of the work God wants to do through you. He has placed you in a unique situation on earth. No one has the same influence on your family, vocation, parish, workplace, school, etc. as you have. The Lord has special plans to accomplish His will through you. You can hinder his work, help it, or hasten it. God can work all things to the good despite you (Rm 8:28), but His plan is to work through You because of your loving obedience and joyful service. His will be done (Mt 6:10).
Prayer: Father, may I never be an obstacle to You. Use me to bear abundant and lasting fruit for You (Jn 15:5).
Promise: "The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." —Jn 10:11
Praise: Accepting God's grace to let go of his own expectations, John saw a ministry thrive under the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(More great retreats are planned for June and July. See our web site, www.presentationministries.com, or call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 for information.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, XXX 11, 2011
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.