9th Week of Pentecost

Acts 18:18-28
Paul remained for quite some time, and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut because he had taken a vow. When they reached Ephesus, he left them there, while he entered the synagogue and held discussions with the Jews. Although they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, but as he said farewell he promised, “I shall come back to you again, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. Upon landing at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. After staying there some time, he left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples. A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way (of God) more accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.
Luke 11:33-36
“No one who lights a lamp hides it away or places it (under a bushel basket), but on a lampstand so that those who enter might see the light. The lamp of the body is your eye. When your eye is sound, then your whole body is filled with light, but when it is bad, then your body is in darkness. Take care, then, that the light in you not become darkness. If your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is in darkness, then it will be as full of light as a lamp illuminating you with its brightness.”

Priscilla and Aquila were good mentors to Apollos, and they were willing to engage and teach him. They challenged him, because they loved him and wanted to know God more closely. It is important that we find good mentors for ourselves, who can challenge us and teach us how to live the Way of God. Then when we ourselves become mature it becomes our turn to teach and help others as mentors and guides.

Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
Glory to you, Light of truth and Star of glory.
The radiance of your splendor dispels darkness from our minds and hearts.
O Lord,
grant that in praising you, we may be enlightened,
find our joy in you,
and recognize you as the giver of that light which dispels
darkness and creates morning.
O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, whom all creatures must adore, to you be glory, forever.
Amen.