It seems strange that during this joyous easter season, we
have these readings from the Acts of the Apostles about how the Church was
being persecuted. Last week, we heard of how the apostles were thrown into jail
for their Christian faith. Yesterday, the reading recounted the death of the
first martyr, the deacon Stephen. Today’s reading picks up right where yesterday’s
left off. With the death of Stephen a severe persecution broke out in
Jerusalem, and Christians were scattered to the country side.
Why do we focus on imprisonment, persecution, suffering, and
martyrdom during this season of joy?
The Church reads from the Acts of the Apostles during Easter
because it contains the testimony of how ordinary, frightened disciples became
courageous because they knew that their redeemer lived. We see how the first
Christians were able to keep going, keep loving, keep preaching, keep serving,
even when life became difficult because Jesus Christ was risen from the dead,
and they believed that preaching and serving the Gospel was the most important
thing they could do for themselves and others.
These stories are so powerful for us because they help us to
be courageous and to serve God when it is difficult as well. I can’t promise
you that being a follower of Jesus will help you overcome a fear of heights, or
spiders, or other phobias. But I can promise you that as you seek to follow
Jesus more and more faithfully, you will become a more courageous, generous,
loving, peaceful, wise Christian. As you begin to hand your minds and your
hearts over to Jesus more and more, he will help you overcome temptation, he
will give you strength of spirit, he will help you carry the burdens of your
life—including the burdens that other people do not even know about—troubles at
home, grief, loneliness, or social pressure.
In the Gospel, Jesus says, I will not lose anyone who comes
to me, but I will raise them up on the last day. Here was another powerful
reminder to the early church. Following Jesus means that you belong to God. And
God does not lose things, like we do.
The early Christians were scattered by persecution, but
wherever they went, Jesus was with them. So too with us. Whenever we experience
the pressure and hatred of the world for being Christian, God is with us. In
whatever true challenges we face, God is with us, helping us to do his will, to
walk in his light, to witness to the goodness and truth of Jesus Christ.
Trust in the Lord, now and always, for Jesus Christ is truly
risen from the dead, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Trusting in the risen Jesus, who conquered death and
continues to guide His Church, let us bring our prayers before our heavenly
Father.
For the Church throughout the world: that, like the Apostles, she may boldly and
faithfully preach Jesus Christ risen from the dead, and that Jesus, the Bread
of Life, may be her strength in every season, let us pray to the Lord.
For Christians throughout the world, especially those who
are mocked, threatened, or persecuted for their faith: that the Lord may protect them and fill them
with the same courage he gave to the Apostles, let us pray to the Lord.
That the grace of Easter may deeply transform our lives,
strengthen marriages, renew our families, increase vocations and sanctify the
clergy, make us attentive to the poor and helpless, bring peace to the world,
and bless us in carrying out the mission of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.
For Corpus Christi Academy:
that our students, teachers, and families may let the power of Jesus’
resurrection shape the way we think, speak, and live each day, let us pray to
the Lord.
For those who are sick, suffering, or discouraged: that the victory of the risen Lord may give
them strength, peace, and hope, let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved dead:
that they may share forever in the glory of Christ’s resurrection, let
us pray to the Lord.
Heavenly Father, you raised your Son from the dead and
filled the Apostles with courage and joy. Hear these prayers we place before
you and help us to live always in the light of Easter. Through Christ our Lord.
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