How do we find the strength to enter the "reign of God" when faced with immense hardship?
In today’s reflection for the Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter, Father Brendan Curran, OP (Dominican Promoter for Justice and Peace for North America), reflects on the startling resilience of St. Paul. Despite being stoned and nearly killed, Paul’s journey reminds us that struggles and threats are often the path toward spiritual growth.
Father Brendan shares a powerful modern-day parallel: the incredible journey of Bishop Evelio Menjivar. Fleeing the civil war in El Salvador in the trunk of a car, Evelio started his life in the United States washing dishes before answering a call to the priesthood. His recent appointment as Bishop is a testament to the presence of hope in a thirsting world.
Join us as we reflect on how our own hardships can plant the seeds for a new vocation and a deeper faith.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Reflecting on the persecution of St. Paul in the Acts of the Apostles.
* The inspiring true story of Bishop Evelio Menjivar’s journey from El Salvador.
* Understanding how hope persists even in the midst of war and oppression.
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**TIMELINE / CHAPTERS:**
0:00 - Introduction: Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter
0:14 - The Persecution of St. Paul: Stoned and Left for Dead
0:35 - Why struggles are necessary to enter the Reign of God
0:52 - A Modern Story of Hope: Evelio Menjivar’s Journey
1:10 - Fleeing Civil War and Starting Anew in the U.S.
1:35 - From Washing Dishes to the Priesthood
1:44 - Great News: The New Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston
2:07 - A Message for a Thirsting and Hungering World
**HASHTAGS:**
#AWordOfHope #CatholicChurch #BishopEvelioMenjivar #EasterSeason #StPaul #JusticeAndPeace #Inspiration #FaithJourney #ElSalvador #ChristianHope