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Acts: 5: 17-26

The high priest rose up and all his companions,
that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy,
laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison,
led them out, and said,
“Go and take your place in the temple area,
and tell the people everything about this life.”
When they heard this,
they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.
When the high priest and his companions arrived,
they convened the Sanhedrin,
the full senate of the children of Israel,
and sent to the jail to have them brought in.
But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison,
so they came back and reported,
“We found the jail securely locked
and the guards stationed outside the doors,
but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report,
they were at a loss about them,
as to what this would come to.
Then someone came in and reported to them,
“The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area
and are teaching the people.”
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them,
but without force,
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

The Word of the Lord.

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If you want to understand God, then look at nature.

There’s an invisible, persistent force in nature that is determined to thrive. Even in the harshest circumstances, life can be found.

I’ve seen trees growing on the side of a mountain face; flowers blossoming in tiny cracks on a city sidewalk; cacti standing tall in the desert heat.

Nature never gives up.

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The same idea is true with God. There’s a resilience to the Holy Spirit that will not give up until disciples are made of “all nations.”

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In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Sadducees have had the Apostles arrested for a second time. 

They thought this budding religious movement would’ve been squashed after they nailed Jesus to a tree. But reports are circulating that he’s been raised from the dead. God is resilient!

Making matters “worse,” the Apostles have become like the God they worship. Somehow, they’ve broken out of prison and are back in the Temple area preaching in Christ’s name – that, “God so loved the world” – converting thousands!

In spite of their best efforts, the Sadducees cannot stop the Holy Spirit from working. In fact, before this first generation of Christians passes away, they will spread the Gospel message throughout Europe into the far corners of the Middle East and beyond.

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The same Holy Spirit is working today. God is determined to make disciples in our homes, in our parish, and in the broader community through us. We are his instruments.

In what ways do we share our faith with others? 

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Like the Apostles, may God’s resilient Spirit set our hearts on fire for the Gospel to continue spreading it today.

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Image credits: (1) Flickr (2) Saint Peter Preaching in Jerusalem, Charles Francois-Poerson (3) Catholic to the Max

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Acts: 4:32-37

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the Apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the Apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.

Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas
(which is translated “son of encouragement”),
a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,
sold a piece of property that he owned,
then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

The Word of the Lord.

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Throughout the Easter Season, we read from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes what life was like within the early Christian community. 

As we hear today, “The community of believers was of one heart and one mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.”

Barnabas, for example, sells all of his property and places the profits at the feet of the Apostles, to be used at their discretion.

Today that’d be like selling your home and car, downsizing to the basics, and giving all of the proceeds to charity.

It sounds extreme, but that’s who we are as a Church.

We are generous people who consistently offer our time, treasure, talent, and occasionally lay down our lives for the sake of the Gospel. 

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Over the last two millennia, the Church has commissioned more missionaries, founded more hospitals, schools, orphanages, soup kitchens, high schools and universities than any other institution in history.

Occasionally, these sacrifices are highlighted by the lives of Saints like Barnabas, Mother Teresa, even Pope Francis, but most often these sacrifices are made by ordinary people like us who live out our faith in little ways.

We may not sell our homes or die as martyrs, but how many of us offer sacrifices to the Lord, which when added up count for something significant?

Some of you purify our linens for Mass; others bring communion to the sick or homebound; others serve as staff, catechists, intercessors, SPX bakers, choir members, counters, ministry leaders, Christian parents, and so on.

When added up, it creates an offering – an aroma – pleasing to God.

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May the spirit of Barnabas – a spirit of generosity and encouragement – continue growing within the Church as we all seek to do something beautiful for God.

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Image credits: (1) Speak with People (2) I Am Church (3) Watanable & Company

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Gospel: John 3: 1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He came to Jesus at night and said to him,
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God,
for no one can do these signs that you are doing
unless God is with him.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to him,
“How can a man once grown old be born again?
Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”
Jesus answered,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and Spirit
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
What is born of flesh is flesh
and what is born of spirit is spirit.
Do not be amazed that I told you,
‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills,
and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;
so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

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Today we encounter a Pharisee named Nicodemus. His role in John’s Gospel is similar to that of Doubting Thomas. 

They both remind us that faith is a journey, sometimes riddled with questions, doubt, and the need for personal experience with the Risen Christ.

We first encounter Nicodemus at the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.

He has seen and heard enough of Jesus that he believes Jesus has, “come from God.” But who exactly is he? Still discerning, Nicodemus approaches Jesus and initiates a dialogue.

Somewhat typical, Jesus speaks to him elusively, saying he must be, “born again from above,” making him wonder, “how can a man once grown old be born again?” 

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We do not encounter Nicodemus again until the very end of Jesus’ public ministry, when Jesus is put on trial. 

Still a Pharisee, Nicodemus intervenes on Jesus’ behalf, imploring his peers to allow Jesus to explain himself – a sign that Nicodemus appreciates the uniqueness of Christ.

We encounter him a third and final time after the crucifixion, when he brings spices to anoint Jesus’ body.

Does Nicodemus’ faith die with Jesus at the tomb? Does he remember him simply as a respected rabbi? Or does Nicodemus become part of the early Christian community?

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We don’t know. John leaves that for us to ponder.

Nicodemus reminds us that, at some point, we must decide for ourselves who Jesus is. Our answer is often driven by personal experience – or lack thereof.

In the words of Christ himself, “Who do you say that I am?” It’s a question that echoes throughout the ages.

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May our response drive all of our words and actions today.

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Image credits: (1) New Hope International Ministries (2) Christus und Nicodemus, Fritz von Uhde (3) Jesus is My Everything, Christ Follower Life