Armour Up

A Reflection on the First Reading for May 5th, 2019:
Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 5.28-32, 40b-41

In those days: The high priest questioned the Apostles, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.”

But Peter and the Apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than human beings. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Then the council ordered the Apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name.

---

I often wonder if I would rejoice and be glad to suffer for the sake of Jesus; to be persecuted and know that my life was constantly in danger because I am a Christian and I’m bold in spreading the Gospel. I’ve been ridiculed because of my faith on occasion, often within my own family. I was spit on when I stood in front of the local hospital, praying during 40 Days for Life. In all these instances I felt an overwhelming peace; not anger or a need to take revenge… just peace. Christ’s peace isn’t understandable to us. We trust and it comes. But, I have yet to be stretched to the extent that my job or my life would be endangered.

The apostles were flogged, and that method of punishment at that place and time was not a slap on the wrist. Flogging could cripple a person and even kill them. And they were super delighted that they had the golden opportunity, the honour no less, of being flogged… for Jesus sake! Why? Because Peter and the apostles had seen the resurrected Jesus, the risen Lord, the Way and the Word of God made whole again, and that not only opened their eyes, it left them in awe and wonder and they knew that they’d been changed forever. All over the world since that day and time, even to the present 21st century, our brothers and sisters in Christ are being tortured and murdered, thrown into prisons, scorned and mocked because they serve the Messiah. How do they do it? They do it with and through The Holy Spirit! Jesus told the apostles and still tells us today that if we receive Him we will be given His Holy Spirit and that means I can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

"Soldiers prepare for battle in every aspect of their lives, from the physical to the emotional, from the big to the mundane. We are called to do the same."

Tweet

Soldiers prepare for battle in every aspect of their lives, from the physical to the emotional, from the big to the mundane. We are called to do the same. The spiritual battle is even more important because its outcome is life eternal with God… or hell. Therefore, we must continue in our preparations; Eucharist, scripture, prayer, growing in love for our neighbours and our enemies, forgiveness, confessing and being absolved and growing deeper and deeper in faith and ruthless trust in the King of Heaven and Earth. If I am tested to the extreme, I want to say, with joy, “not my will but Yours”.

Judy Savoy

---