Acts 18:9-18 / John 16:20-23
To be blamed for something that went wrong though it is no fault of yours is already bad enough.
But to be blamed and then beaten up for it can be very difficult to accept because the question is that is a corporal punishment really necessary.
Nonetheless the recourse to the use of force often brings about an immediate effect whether it is for the one inflicting it or for the one being inflicted upon.
In the 1st reading, we heard of a concerted attack being made against Paul. They were out to get his blood because he was one of them before and now it seems that he had betrayed them.
But when their attack was foiled, they instead turned on one of their own, Sosthenes, the synagogue president, although it was clear that he had not done anything wrong.
The thirst for blood, the obsession to use physical force on others to make them submit can be so consuming that it often blinds persecutors to see what is right and wrong.
Our faith tells us to forgive those mean us harm, to pray for those who persecute us and to even love our enemies even if they are out for our blood.
Even though we live by faith, we can't help but "weep and wail" when persecutions are levelled against us, and when the powerful and mighty want to shed our blood, just like what was done to the martyrs in the history of the Church.
But let us remember that Jesus had shed His blood for us. Whenever we feel His protection let us give thanks. And under all circumstances, may our sorrow turn to joy because Jesus has saved us.