the most obscure are the most powerful
"When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained to him God's new way in greater detail." —Acts 18:26
Priscilla and Aquila were kicked out of Rome because they were Jews (Acts 18:2). They were victims of religious persecution and became refugees. Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers (Acts 18:3), and they had a Christian community based at their home (Rm 16:5). This husband and wife were nobodies by the world's standards. They were just two obscure people, oppressed by Rome's political machine and ignored by the world.
However, in God's eyes and therefore in reality, Priscilla and Aquila were among the most important people in history. They helped Paul recover from his failed mission to Athens (see Acts 17:32—18:3). They took home with them the great teacher Apollos and led him to faith in Jesus and life in the Spirit (see Acts 18:25-28). Paul said of Priscilla and Aquila that they "even risked their lives for the sake of mine. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them" (Rm 16:4).
Priscilla and Aquila lived their marriage and their life in the Holy Spirit. Wherever they went, they bore great fruit in whatever they did. The Lord continues to choose "the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing" (1 Cor 1:28) to bear great fruit and renew the face of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit (Ps 104:30). On this second day of the Pentecost Novena, surrender your life to the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, make my life like a grain of wheat which falls to the earth, dies, and bears much fruit (Jn 12:24).
Promise: "I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name." —Jn 16:23
Praise: James and Maria fled the persecution of their anti-Christian homeland to raise their children in the Faith.
Reference: (We offer a retreat Mission of the Church: The Laity's Call to Radiate Joy on May 20-22. It's not too late to register. Call 937-587-5464 to register and for more information.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 6, 2015
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