Word to the Wise
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - Wednesday in the Third Week of Easter
[Acts 8:1B-8 and John 6:35-40]There broke out a severe persecution of te church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judaea and Samaria, except the Apostles.....Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment.
The Acts of the Apostles shows that opposition to the preaching of the early Church began fairly soon. It starts with the opposition to the preaching of Peter and John. Then Jews from the diaspora (living outside Jerusalem or even the Holy Land) oppose and kill Stephen. Then there is a general persecution in which Saul (the future St. Paul) takes an eager and active part. Strangely enough these two things: the scattering of the community by the persecution and Saul's participation are to result in Christianity becoming an international movement instead of a dissenting sect within Judaism! The scattered Christians took their faith with them throughout the Mediterranean. Saul (Paul) is converted and begins to preach about the faith in areas where there has been no connection with Judaism. Thus, Jesus' command to preach to the whole world (as known to the disciples) is fulfilled. Those of us who remember the stories of underground Christians in the Cold War know how persecution can strengthen faith rather than weaken it. Faith becomes a precious gift rather than a cultural given! Through all the experiences mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit is the guiding principle and force. History is a great teacher if we are willing to pay adequate attention. The history of the immediate and rapid spread of Christianity is inspiring. There may be a good lesson in this for us "cradle Catholics" who may be inclined to take our faith and the church for granted since both seem to be there all the time. In some cases, we become so "blended" with the culture that we lose our ability to make an impact. An old poster I saw once said: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Since we don't live in fear of being arrested for our faith, perhaps we see no reason to be evidently Christian! Reading the Acts of the Apostles in this post-Easter season could help clear the clouds and cultural camouflage to allow the faith to shine through! AMEN
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