Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Act 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21
The first reading narrates the miraculous release of the apostles from prison. They were imprisoned by the high priests because they were accused of two things, namely, preaching in the name of Jesus and blaming the Jewish leadership of Jesus’ death. I am very much inspired by the response of the apostles to their accusations. They, who were so fearful at the time of Jesus’ death, were now speaking boldly before their judges, saying: “It is better for us to obey God than men.” They stood for the truth which they had experienced and witnessed. St. Andre often said: “God is love and he loves us. This is the heart of the Christian faith”. This is the opening verse of today’s Gospel passage.
The apostles experienced that love and radiated it courageously. When we look at today’s reality, many of us are imprisoned within ourselves. We are frightened to come forward and stand for the truth. We are afraid of the consequences involved in it. We are concerned about saving our lives and the lives of those around us.
In such a reality, the apostles stand as examples for all of us who are striving to grow in faith. They were arrested like their master, but their belief in the resurrection empowered them to preach the good news boldly to the world. The liturgy of the word invites and encourages us to bear witness to the risen Lord. It strengthens us and gives us hope that we too will be assisted by the Holy Spirit in moments of suffering.