TESTIFYING TO THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE

Acts 4:23-31

Psalm: Ps.2:1-9

John 3:1-8

We are diving back into the thrilling narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, where boldness and faith collide! Picture this: Peter and John stand before the powerful Sanhedrin, fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite the intimidating circumstances, they share the incredible news of Christ’s Resurrection. After a tense deliberation, the court orders them to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. But did Peter and John back down? No way! They promised to remain true witnesses to what they had seen and heard. Threatened but undeterred, they walk away, and that's just where our excitement begins this morning!

As they return from that daunting encounter, Peter and John can’t contain their joy. “We preached to the Sanhedrin!” they declare. “They told us not to spread the word about Jesus!” The stakes are high, but instead of feeling disheartened, they come back rejoicing. Can you feel the energy? These are men fully committed to their community, sharing every detail of their experience with fellow believers. Their instinct? To lift their voices in communal prayer! Together, they cry out, “Sovereign Lord, it is you who made Heaven and earth, and all that is in them!” (Acts 4:24). 

Now, let me ask you: Is prayer your first response in tough times? Do you recognize its incredible power? How often do you pray for boldness in spreading the Gospel? So many of us are swept away by worldly desires, forgetting to earnestly pray for courage, clarity, and passion to present Christ to a world in desperate need. Brothers and sisters, we absolutely must pray about our mission to share the Good News! We need that boldness!

Speaking of boldness, let’s talk about Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin who ventured to Jesus under the cover of night. How do we approach Jesus? The truth is, He reaches out to us! He draws us in and facilitates new beginnings, often for the most unexpected individuals. Today, as the apostles prayed, God came to them in powerful ways. Eternal life is a gift only He can provide.

Receiving the sacrament of baptism is the ultimate miracle, granting us entry into eternal life as members of Christ’s body. This metaphor vividly illustrates the transformation that happens when one believes. Consider this: just like babies are born, not adults, when we come to faith in Jesus, we start anew. It’s a fresh beginning! But, much like infants, we need care, nourishment, and guidance to grow. Simply being born doesn’t mean we are instantly mature!

Believing

in Jesus is akin to a rebirth; it’s a process of unlearning and relearning, fueled by the Holy Spirit, just as we see in the lives of early Christians. But let’s be real—it’s a more extended journey than our physical growth. Many of us might still be spiritual toddlers, learning the ropes of our faith. Nicodemus thought he had it all figured out, but Jesus shows him the adventure has only just commenced.

This is incredibly hopeful for you and me, for our communities. Jesus tirelessly seeks to draw us to Him through His sacrifice and our faith. For those baptized into His life, hope abounds. Nicodemus grasped this profound truth, which is why he stood by Jesus even during His burial. 

Our mission isn’t to save others; it’s to release our desire to be the savior ourselves, allowing us to become instruments of God’s incredible work in the lives of those around us—like surgical tools in the steady hands of a master surgeon.

Let’s move forward with unwavering trust in Him. O Lord, I place my faith in You!