“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.” Acts (13:45)

In this intense scene, we can see two opposing movements of the soul. When the spirit of jealousy generated “violent abuse,” we hear that Paul and Barnabas “spoke boldly” in response. They had already discerned God’s will for them and, filled with confidence, proclaimed the Word of God: “For so the Lord has commanded us…” (verse 47)

This reminds me of the scripture that says when we speak without love, we are a clashing cymbal, a resounding gong (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1). It is so easy to grow indignant and spew out opinions and accusations without love. Righteous anger, that’s what we tell ourselves whenever our conscience dares to question us.

We look to Paul and Barnabas here to learn something about responding with love, for they “were filled with joy and the holy Spirit” (verse 52). They did not display pusillanimity. They spoke boldly and then “shook the dust from their feet in protest against them” (verse 51).

This protest, an instruction they had received from Jesus (Luke 9:5), is an act of mercy toward those who are rejecting the message of the Lord. Perhaps some of them had the spirit of jealousy “shaken off” and were able to repent and respond in love later. We do not know, but we can hope.

The next time we examine our conscience, let us ask the Holy Spirit to show us the times when we have been filled with jealousy, envy, or resentment, and we have spoken without love. Let us ask God for the grace to form our consciences from the dust and fill us with his joy and love.

Let us pray:

Lord, help me always remain in your word, be truly your disciple, and know the truth. Amen. (cf. Gospel Acclamation, John 8:31b-32)