Preach Love

A Reflection on the First Reading for April 12th, 2020:
The Solemnity of Easter Sunday

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Acts 10.34, 37-43

Peter began to speak: “You know the message that spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

“We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead

“He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the Prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

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Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

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He commanded us to preach to the people...


It may seem nearly impossible in these times to live out this calling to preach to the people. Feelings of loneliness and fear can overcome us, only to isolate us further. But it is so important to remember that amidst all of this chaos, there is still so much love to give. God still calls us even during this time to be a witness of His Goodness.


I’ve been drawn to a praise and worship song lately by Hillsong called “Highlands”. These lyrics have really impacted me during this time of anxiousness: “No less God within the shadows. No less faithful when the night leads me astray. You’re the heaven where my heart is—in the highlands and the heartache all the same.”


God is just as much with us when we are frightened and lonely than when we are not. God is just as much with us when we are watching mass from our living rooms as when we are at church. And He is with you in this time even if you currently lack the hope and motivation to preach to the people.


But, it is so important, especially now, to be a beacon of God’s love. Although we cannot gather together physically, there are so many ways that we can connect with each other from our own homes. Preach to the people by being there for them if they need a phone call. Preach to the people by letting them know that you are offering up prayer for them. Preach to the people by being kind and loving in this time of panic. Pray for the motivation to be a light in the darkness. God wants to be there for you during this time like He wants you to be there for others. Ask and He will heal and provide.


I pray that we can all be a light of the Lord’s love to help each other in this time apart, together. Amen.




Megan Noye

Click here to listen to "Highlands" by Hillsong.

Photo by Akshar Dave on Unsplash

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