Breaking the Word

2^nd week in Easter Time, Thursday – 20^th April 2023 – Acts 5,27-33; Jn 3,31-36

Why They Did What They Did

In the first reading, Peter and the other apostles stood before the council, the second time, and answered boldly, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5,29). The previous time, they said the same thing in different words, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4,20). Those were remarkable words and a bold declaration, probably a big shock to the men of the council. The apostles’ response was not a defense, and it was not a plea for mercy. Instead, the apostles simply explained why they did what they did. In the face of persecution for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, the apostles’ choice was very clear. They were willing to embrace certain persecution, imprisonment, and possibly death for submitting to the authority of Jesus, the Saviour and King, rather than submit to the positions of earthly power that gives safety and security. The reason being, Peter and the rest of Jesus’ disciples had walked with Jesus, seen his miracles, listened to his teaching, and encountered the glory of the resurrection. The truth of the gospel and promise of salvation and forgiveness, which Christ offered, were too precious to be silenced by any mob, religious leader, or earthly ruler.

2^nd week in Easter Time, Tuesday – 18^th April 2023 – Acts 4,32-37; Jn 3,7-15

Christian Communal Life

The first reading emphasizes the communal ownership and mutual responsibility of the community members for each other. There are four common elements among them: 1) The believers form a community; 2) They are of one heart and mind, deeply united with each other; 3) No one claimed anything as belonging to themselves; everything was held in common; and 4) They gave witness to the Risen Jesus with great power, through signs and healings.  Therefore, there were no rich or poor in this community. Each one’s aim was to ensure that the needs of the others were met rather than their own needs. Their material sharing was simply an expression of the care which they felt for each other at a much deeper level. Do we find such sharing among both religious and parish communities in our Church today? Are we caught up in the individualism, hedonism, consumerism, and materialism that dominates our societies today?