FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER APRIL 16, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A Reading from Acts of the Apostles 5:34-42

A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. 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. 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 Holy Spirit is the Gift of God.

The apostles had found courage and they did not stop preaching and teaching. They knew Jesus, lost Him while He lived beside them, but refound Him when He went looking for them after His death and resurrection. They had been given a second chance, a gift from God. The Holy Spirit had infused them with His spiritual and charismatic gifts. They were on fire for His love and His message And they set out to different parts of the world to tell all about Jesus, the Christ.

Wise Gamaliel cooled down the Sanhedrin by noting that if the apostle's activity was of human origin, it will destroy itself. Much good his words were to the elders as they had Peter and the other disciples flogged before threatening them to keep quiet. Maybe they would have inflicted more punishment had Gamaliel not spoken up. And the Church has continued on, thriving amidst trials and tribulations.

But the Holy Spirit transformed their lives and no longer could they remain quiet, no longer would they be scared and no longer would physical pain and suffering alter their mission.

A modern day Gamaliel and apostle, an example of someone with courage to speak up, was St Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She spoke up at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C, on February 5, 1994. She dared to speak her mind and heart about the right to life. She did so in the presence of President and Mrs Bill Clinton (Pro abortion advocates).

Is the Holy Spirit calling us to speak up?

Have we invited the Holy Spirit to form Christ in our hearts?

Are we being called to bring people to God?

Are we spreading the message of PAPA?

Are we ready to witness for Christ even in the face of rejection and even death?

Come Holy Spirit and strengthen our faith.

God Bless You