As Paul and Barnabas are preaching now to the Gentiles, as we hear in our first reading today, the Jews become jealous and angry and contradict what they are saying to the people. But Paul boldly stands and addresses them and tells them that "it was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we turn now to the Gentiles."
The Gentiles were "delighted to hear this and they glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region." Paul and Barnabas "continued on their journey and the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."
In the gospel passage Jesus – the Light of the whole world – the one Paul and Barnabas was preaching about – is still trying to have his disciples make the connection between him and his Father - between him, the one they could see; and his Father, who is in heaven, whom they could not see. Having them know, understand and believe this was very important to Jesus – because the Father was greater than he – and he came to earth to do the Father's work. If he did not get this point across, then his hearers would ultimately not understand anything that he was doing.
Also, since Jesus is doing his Father's works, those whom Jesus will send need to know that they are not only doing Jesus' work, but his Father's work as well – because the Father and his will, will always be in charge.
And the added bonus is that "whatever you ask – in the Holy Spirit – in Jesus' name will be done" – for those who ask God's will to be discerned and empowered by the Holy Spirit cannot be denied!
This day let us rejoice and be glad that because of Jesus we can know the Father; and because of the Holy Spirit we can have all of our prayers answered!
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