Feeding on the Word of God - THE ACTS OF APOSTLES

And He said to them, ‘So you see how it was written that Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’ (Luke 24:46-48)

Beloved Walkers,
Since we are in the season of Easter, the first reading at Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. Let us examine some of the lessons from this book.

(Acts 4: 29-31)
And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and help your servants to proclaim your messagewith all boldness, by stretching out your hand to heal, and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were assembled rocked; they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God boldly. 

When the Apostles returned to Jerusalem to begin preaching the Good News, they are immediately persecuted by the Sanhedrin. But they began to pray for the Holy Spirit that they may preach the Good News boldly. It is no surprise that we will face opposition and even threats when proclaiming the Good News. We too must ask for the Holy Spirit to be given to us. God is waiting to use us to achieve great works and miracles.

Reflection:

• Have I realized that I can be God’s instrument in the name of Christ?
• Do I ask for the courage to carry on the mission? Even in the face of dangers, shame or mockery?

"If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him." St Louis Marie de Montfort, Priest and Confessor, Feast Day 28 April

(Acts 4:32-33)
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. 

The early Christian community shared their possessions and gifts. As a community we do the best we can to render material aid to our brothers and sisters who are in need. Our generosity is not limited to possessions and wealth, but also gifts and talents. We bear witness to the Risen Lord when we are faithful in sharing what we have for the mutual edification of all.

Reflection:

• When was the last time I was able to help someone or a community member in need?
• What am I willing to offer my community?
• Generosity does not come easily but it must be prayed for. Pray for this grace!

“You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love.” St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, Feast Day 29 April

(Acts 4:29, 32)
But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men …..We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

The Apostles refused to stop preaching the name of Jesus even though they were threatened by the Sandedrin. Learning from their example we must be faithful to our daily occupation and state of life. We must do our best to work honestly and be fair in our dealings with our colleagues, subordinates and customers. Never stop doing what is right.

Reflection:

• Do I try to live out the values of my faith bravely at work or at school?
• Am I diligent at my occupation or studies? Do I realize that God is calling me to work in the ‘here-and-now’, thus sowing the seeds for eternity?

 “Saint Joseph worked faithfully as a carpenter; he shines as an example to all workmen, alleluia.” Benedictus antiphon, St Joseph the Worker, Feast Day 1 May

(Acts 5: 38-42)
"For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.” 

The community is not merely sustained alone by human hands but by God’s. If it is God’s work, it will carry on somehow. If we have discerned likewise, then we must also have trust in divine providence to continue ‘teaching and proclaiming the Christ’ in spite of the obstacles.

Reflection:

·         As I look in awe at the Acts carried out by the Apostles, do I contemplate carrying out my own Acts? Have I realized that it is not I who work but Christ who works in me?

·         What are some of the ways we can imitate the Apostles in living out our new life in Christ?

“But for the searching and right understanding of the Scriptures there is need of a good life and a pure soul, and for Christian virtue to guide the mind to grasp, so far as human nature can, the truth concerning God the Word. One cannot possibly understand the teaching of the saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life. Anyone who wants to look at sunlight naturally wipes his eye clear first, in order to make, at any rate, some approximation to the purity of that on which he looks; and a person wishing to see a city or country goes to the place in order to do so. Similarly, anyone who wishes to understand the mind of the sacred writers must first cleanse his own life, and approach the saints by copying their deeds. Thus united to them in the fellowship of life, he will both understand the things revealed to them by God and, thenceforth escaping the peril that threatens sinners in the judgment, will receive that which is laid up for the saints in the kingdom of heaven. Of that reward it is written: "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared" for them that live a godly life and love the God and Father in Christ Jesus our Lord, through Whom and with Whom be to the Father Himself, with the Son Himself, in the Holy Spirit, honor and might and glory to ages of ages. Amen. “ 57, On the Incarnation of the Word, St Athanasius of Alexandria, Confessor and Doctor of the Church, Feast Day 2 May