Thursday of the 2^nd week of Easter

Acts 5: 27-33       John 3: 31-36

Theme: “We must obey God”

 

In the 1^st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, the council summoned the Apostles and wanted to know why they were still preaching in the name of Jesus Christ, after they have warned them to stop. They were afraid that the more they allow the Apostles to continue to preach about him, the more the people will see them for who they truly are, so they wanted them to stop at all costs. Unfortunately for them, the power of the resurrection has taken over the Apostles and they had no fear anymore and was filled with courage. This was what gave rise to the answer they gave the council when they were summoned. They preferred to obey God and disobey men, rather than do the opposite. This is what it means to be a true witness.

 

They were ready to sacrifice everything for their faith in God, and they spoke boldly to the people they were formerly afraid of, without any fear. Their courage irritated the council, and they were angry. What is happening in the lives of the Apostle is what happens when one has the privilege to encounter God in a unique way. The fact that Jesus was appearing to them after his resurrection, made a lot of impact on them and greatly strengthened their faith in God.

 

In the same way, some of us are also privileged to encounter God in the Eucharist each time we attend mass, how much impact is it making in your life? In the case of the Apostles, they went about witnessing for Christ and winning souls for the kingdom of God, while they also make their way to the kingdom. Now is the time for our unmerited favors to count in our lives and in the lives of all those who encounter us on our journey of faith. You have what it takes to become an instrument of God’s love among his people, make that bold step today, and you will be surprised at how much God will use you to achieve for his kingdom. The most important thing is your disposition and the willingness to work for Christ, and God will empower you for the work. Remember, he does not call the qualified, when he calls you, he qualifies you and empowers you for the work.

 

We are all encouraged today to be true ambassadors for Christ, wherever we find ourselves in life. We all have all it takes to witness for Christ, whether verbally or through the kind of life that we lead, you know what is best for you. May the Lord continue to strengthen our faith in him, especially in our trying moments, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.