When bringing up an issue or a problem, it is best to follow procedures.
Even when filing a complaint, it is good to raise the issue or problem to the next level first.
That would show that we respect the procedures and the levels of organization.
In the 1st reading, the discussion was about St. Paul’s case.
The Roman governor Festus had thought that St. Paul was charged with some crime.
But upon further investigation, Festus realised that it was a religious issue and about Jesus whom St. Paul alleged to be alive.
Festus had wanted St. Paul to be tried in Jerusalem, which was the next level of investigation.
But St. Paul appealed for his case to be reserved for the judgement of the august emperor.
Obviously, that would mean Caesar, but St. Paul could have someone else in mind.
Because in St. Paul’s mind, the highest emperor and king would be none other than Jesus Christ.
For St. Paul, Jesus Christ is the Divine Judge, and his life was in the hands of the Divine Judge, and not any other judge on earth.
So, when we have a problem, or an issue, or a complaint, let us first turn to Jesus and put our case before Him.
When we commend our lives into the hands of Jesus, let us also let Jesus show us how to resolve problems, issues and even complaints.