It seems strange to read that the disciples of Jesus were prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Gospel in a new territory. Was it dangerous for the disciples to go to Asia? Were the people of Asia unprepared for the message? Why would the Holy Spirit prevent the gospel from going everywhere, especially since Jesus commanded his first disciples to go into the whole world and baptize everyone who responded to the message of salvation?
People trained as spiritual directors give us some insight into the teaching of Acts about the Holy Spirit since one of their tasks is to discern with their directees the dangers of particular paths in the spiritual life. It is not so much that a spiritual director would forbid someone from pursuing a particular direction, but alert them to its difficulty and encourage them to look more deeply at what the Holy Spirit might be saying.
There are roads in everyone's life that ought to be avoided. Sometimes it is a matter of prudence. Age for instance might prevent or at least delay a 14 or 80 year old from pursuing a foreign mission vocation. At other times, the duty and burden of caring for a sick spouse might make it impossible for someone to be more involved in a parish ministry. Listening to the Holy Spirit in quiet prayer is everyone's responsibility. Only then can we be sure we are doing God's will.
Today, reexamine a difficult decision you might be facing.
What might the Holy Spirit be warning the church to avoid in our day?
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