Homily Second Wednesday of Easter (Acts 5:17-26) “Good News Will Always be Announced.”

Homily Second Wednesday of Easter (Acts 5:17-26) “Good News Will Always be Announced.”

One of the consistent story lines of the Acts of the Apostles revolves around the Apostles going out to the streets to preach.  When they do, they are arrested and thrown into jail. But they do not stay in jail.  No, they are released by some miraculous force. 

We have that common story related in the scriptures at Mass today.  The apostles are arrested by the Sanhedrin and they are taken to jail.  An angel comes to the prison and leads them out.  What are the instructions the angel gives?  The apostles are not told to try to keep out of trouble in the future, but they are told to go back into the streets and keep spreading the good news. 

The implication is that the liberating words of the Gospel will not be kept under lock and key by any governing body.  Somehow it will break through strictures in even the most difficult of circumstances. People will be enlightened, and their lives will be changed.

It is related by some church historians that in the churches of the thirteenth and fourteenth century the Bible would often be on display on a book stand somewhere in the church.  Usually, the Bible would be chained in place.  Books were very expensive because every Bible had to be hand copied.  People were, for the most part, illiterate.  The result of all this was that the clergy shared what they thought was appropriate with the people.  The common person could not read and be enlightened on their own because they did not have access to scripture.

But then came the Reformation and it was thought by reformers that people should all be able to read and pray and be inspired by scripture.  At the same time there was invention that allowed everyone to own a Bible who wanted one. The printing press helped the world become more literate and allowed common people to have written material.

We know the rest of the story.  The church was divided into parts.  The Roman Catholic Church did, in the end, undergo reform.  The landscape of Christianity changed.  The Word of God will not be stifled. Many an oppressive government has feared what would happen if people were inspired by scripture.  People will see themselves as having a fundamental human dignity with all the rights that come with that realization.

Reflection Questions:

1. When has the Bible changed the course of human history?  Where is Christianity repressed in the world today?
2. What piece of scripture has helped me value myself more? Do I need to have academic knowledge of scripture before I begin to read it?

Dear Parishioners,

          Our pastoral care ministry has been handicapped by the events of the past year.  We are slowly trying to minister to more people, but it is a challenge.  Communion ministers need to be confident about exposing themselves to COVID infection.  Shut-ins must be comfortable inviting others into their home.  Institutions must allow us to come in. Every facility has its own policies. 

          I have been going to the hospital now, but there is not an open-door policy.  Trinity hospital will let us know if someone is in their care. The other hospitals are less likely to do that.  If I know someone is in the hospital I will attempt to visit. 

          If you or a loved one is in the hospital, please notify the Sacred Heart office and we will do our best to make a pastoral visit.  We all need to be patient and take one step at a time as we adapt to the everchanging landscape.

          May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.

          Fr. Mark