Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 / John 17:20-26
It is ironic but there is a tendency to be complacent after a victory.
Maybe because when one is the victor and have defeated the opponents, there are no more battles to fight and no threat to be on guard against.
It had happened to nations that were victorious in wars; it had happened to sports personalities who have won the ultimate trophy and gold medal; it had happened to people who had overcome the odds.
In the 1st reading, we heard how Paul had to defend himself in the tribune against the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin.
Paul cleverly thought of a way to confuse his opponents which led them to fight among themselves and in doing so he managed to squeeze himself out of a dangerous situation.
We would think that after such a close shave, Paul will be given a reprieve and left in peace for a time.
Yes, Paul overcame the odds to escape from his enemies but before he can get too smug about it, the Lord appeared to him and said : Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome.
If we were Paul, we might have sighed and groaned and asked the Lord to give us a break and let us have some peace and quiet for a while.
But we need to remember that an experience of grace prepares us for the next challenge of faith.
Yet, in the challenges ahead, let us remember that Jesus is with us to face the challenge. He will give us the courage to face what lies ahead.