3rd Monday of Easter (Acts 6:8-15) “Jesus’ Passion is My Passion”
3rd Monday of Easter (Acts 6:8-15) “Jesus’ Passion is My Passion”
The early Apostles continued the extraordinary ministry of Jesus. We read how they preached with conviction. The disciples who did not seem to “get it” during Jesus earthly life begin to stand up and witness about how Jesus had changed their lives.
The followers of Jesus raised the dead, made the lame walk, baptized sinners, escaped prison, and did many other extraordinary things. We read about all this at Mass during the Easter Season.
But what is the thing that the Apostles did that was the most impressive? What proved their belief in Jesus more than anything else? Probably, it was how they chose to die for their faith. If we are willing to lay our life down for what we believe in, then people take notice.
People are often put to death by corrupt leaders. The hope of those in power is that the execution of that someone will squelch a movement. Tyrants though out history have tried to repress people who spoke out for justice. Many times, this has had the opposite effect of what was intended. Movements have grown in strength when people were willing to die for a cause.
Today, at our Eucharistic celebration, we read about the first deacon of the church, a man named Stephen. Stephen walks the path that Jesus walked. When we read his story the parallels with Jesus’ passion are striking. We read today how Stephen, like Jesus, is arrested even though he has done nothing other than preach the gospel. The good news of Jesus’ teaching was a threat to the established order. Steven’s heroic death gave others courage to lay their lives down. And the church grew in strength.
Everyone of us will live our own passion. What will we say with our lives? If we say that when we started to believe in Jesus everything was simple after that, this is not very striking. But if we say that our belief in Jesus led us into struggle and sacrifice which we faced with courage, now that is inspirational.
We all can think of people who lived heroically. Maybe it is the parent who takes care of a special needs child for many years. It could be a husband or wife who nurses a spouse as they deal with a chronic illness. It may be the doctor or nurse treating COVID 19 patients. And it can also be the government official who tries to keep his constituents safe and is constantly attacked for doing so.
No one’s personal passion is the same. We only have one constant which is that the cross will come our way. How we react to the cross is our moment of truth. We pray for strength to be like St. Stephen today.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who do I know who is going is enduring personal suffering right now? Is it physical, emotional or spiritual? How can I be like Veronica and wipe their face giving them comfort?
2. Have I been through some passion experiences in my life? Was I satisfied with how I reacted? What might I do different next time?
Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday we rang our church bell 54 times. That is 14 more times than last week which means that 14,000 more Americans have died of COVID 19. That would represent all the people who lived in my hometown growing up. We realize that our present life situation is not very satisfying. But probably our actions have saved lives. At present, our hospitals can take care of the sick that come to their doors. They have not been overwhelmed.
We received word that we will not be able to have public worship until at least June 1st. Does this mean that we just put our faith life on hold? No, this a time for personal prayer and to pursue spiritual pursuits. Also, it is a time to pray with people in our household. As the weather warms, we might take time to go outside and let nature sooth our battered psyche. Enjoy this day and give thanks for the gift of life.
May our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark