Word to the Wise
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - 2nd Week of Easter - Thurs
[Acts 5:27-33 and John 3:31-36]"We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." [Acts]
The preachings of Peter reported in the Acts of the Apostles (which have formed the first scriptures for Mass over the past few days) reflect the immediate experience of the Church in the wake of the Pentecost event. The entire book of the Acts of the Apostles covers roughly the period from Pentecost to the death of St. Paul, which occurred around 64 AD. Since Jesus was crucified around 33 AD, the rapid spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to much of the Mediterranean region is amazing. There was no internet, or wire-services or newspapers. It was the testimony of those who became witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus that made the difference. This included, of course, the conversion experience of St Paul, who was the major factor in the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem, although there were other preachers as well.
What comes through this is the power of dedicated human witness to the faith, despite persecution from civil as well as religious authorities. As Peter put it in today's first scripture, "We must obey God rather than men." The message was worth their very lives. Would we see it that way today? Is this a reality only for "missionaries in foreign territory?" Pope Francis has challenged all the baptized faithful to be "missionary disciples!" [cf. his THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL]. This means all of us! "We are witnesses of these things." AMEN