Remember
In the first reading the Apostles have been arrested. Yesterday, they were arrested, put in jail, but God’s angel led them out, and they were preaching in the temple again. Now they are arrested again but ‘gently’ brought back to the authorities because the people were ready to stone the arresting officers. The Pharisees had the Apostles flogged and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Remarkably the Apostles rejoice in their flogging, of being tortured in the name of Jesus. They are excited that they suffered this cruelty and are now even more inflamed to spread the Gospel. Could we do the same?
Tough question! I think everyone can remember a time where you were challenged regarding something you said. And to your shock and dismay people did not believe you. But you knew you were speaking the truth. Still, you may have been chastised or ridiculed but you held your ground. Perhaps you were not flogged but nevertheless you did suffer. Maybe some humiliation or other embarrassment. But when the truth does come out, we do accept some self-satisfaction. When you stand up for the faith be prepared to be challenged and yes, ridiculed or embarrassed. But we should not take this lightly for we can offer this suffering up to the Lord.
God will make all things right in His time. Let us rejoice in the same way of the Apostles. Not for anything we did but for the glory of God.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen