the scene of the crime
Paul “came to Lystra.” —Acts 16:1
In the city of Lystra, St. Paul had stones smashed against his skull until he was knocked unconscious (Acts 14:19). His enemies dragged him through and out of town, and threw him to the ground, possibly into the dump. Paul’s disciples formed a circle around him, and he either regained consciousness or was raised from the dead. Then Paul amazingly, courageously, went back into Lystra (Acts 14:20).
He even returned on two other occasions to Lystra, the scene of the crimes against him (Acts 14:21; 16:1). The last time we hear of Paul in Lystra was when he called St. Timothy into the ministry (Acts 16:1-3). If Paul hadn’t returned to the scene of the crime, if he hadn’t been healed enough and courageous enough to go back, possibly Timothy would never have been raised up as one of the great disciples and leaders of the early Church.
Where is your Lystra? Where is the scene of the crimes against you? Where and by whom have you been hurt deeply? Be healed. Go back. Let faith overcome fear. There’s a blessing, a miracle in your Lystra, if you have the healing and courage to return.
Prayer: Risen Jesus, take my hand. Lead me through the desert to the promised land.
Promise: “The reason [the world] hates you is that you do not belong to the world. But I chose you out of the world.” —Jn 15:19
Praise: St. Christopher served as a priest in Mexico. At the time, the secular government severely persecuted Catholics. He secretly founded a seminary, not allowing intimidation to stop priestly education.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Hold Fast to the Faith, listen to, download or order our CD 71-1 or DVD 71 on our website.)
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