Friday within the octave of Easter year A
Theme: The price of discipleship
In the 1st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter and John doing exploits for God, by educating the people about Jesus and his resurrection. By so doing, they continued to win souls for Christ and many people believed in their teaching. This singular action of the Apostles made the priests, the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees get angry with them, because their action was increasing the popularity of Jesus and presenting them as bad and evil people. The scripture tells us that five thousand men believed in the teaching of the Apostles. In anger, the Apostles were arrested and put in custody until the next day.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the next day when the Apostles had the opportunity to defend themselves, Peter pointed out the fact that they have not done anything wrong by restoring the lame man to health. This situation points out the fact that as children of God who have decided to stand for what is good and right in the sight of God, you must be prepared for the challenges that will come with the choice you have made. The fact that you are striving to do what is right, can make someone else angry and can bring about hatred and bitterness, just like in the case of the Apostles in todays 1st reading. The most important thing is that at such a moment, we must trust in God and be courageous, just like the Apostles in todays 1st reading.
Dealy beloved in Christ, never think that because you are doing what is good and right in the sight of God, then everyone will be on the same page with you; often, it does not work that way. The Apostles of Christ paid the price for discipleship at one point or the other, so it can also happen to all those who go by the name Christians. This awareness should help us to be ready and prepared for the challenges of discipleship, at different times in our lives. The good news is that God will always accompany us at such moments in our life. God never deserts his own, he will grant you the right words and wisdom to handle the situation, just like in the case of Peter and John in todays 1st reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
In the gospel reading, Jesus continues to strengthen the faith of his followers about his resurrection, by revealing himself to them repeatedly. May our faith in the resurrection continue to be strengthened in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.