Monday 13th April – Monday of the 2nd week of Eastertide

Reflection: Acts 4: 23-31

BRING THE THREATS TO JESUS

Every noble mission in life comes with its own peculiar challenges. A major difference between winners and failures lies in how they handle situations that threaten the achievement of their noble pursuits. While failures easily succumb, winners seek to rise above the threats and get better in life. This brings to bear the wisdom in the popular saying: “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”

Today’s first reading gives us the account of the threat given to the disciples by the chief priests and scribes while asking them not to preach the good news of Christ again and their recourse to God in prayer for the boldness and grace to fulfill the mission He entrusted to them. Indeed their prayer was answered and some of them went as far as proclaiming the good news to the point of martyrdom.

Dearest in Christ, has God entrusted a particular assignment to you and you are faced with myriads of opposition and challenges? Perhaps you have already concluded on quitting. Please do not quit! Bring the threats and challenges to Christ in prayer and He will grant you an over comer’s strength as was granted the disciples.

As much as we experience external opposition to noble pursuits in life, of greater concern is the internal warfare that rages within us – the recurrent struggle with sinful habits and weaknesses that threaten the successful completion of our Christian race. Let us not give in to these too; let us not resign to fate. Our Blessed Lord will help us as we bring the threats to Him in prayer.

PRAYER: Dear Father, please strengthen me to overcome all that threatens my walk with you.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 476 – How did Jesus pray as he was facing his death?

When face to face with death, Jesus experienced the utmost depths of human fear. Yet he found the strength even in that hour to trust his heavenly Father: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what you will [be done]” (Mk 14:36).

HIDE A TREASURE: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Acts 4: 23-31; Psalm 2: 1-9; John 3: 1-8