DARKNESS TO LIGHT

“He who acts in truth comes into the light, to make clear that his deeds are done in God.” –John 3:21

Mass Readings: April 11
First: Acts 5:17-26; Resp: Psalm 34:2-9; Gospel: John 3:16-21

Listen to the Mass Readings

The apostles, when released from prison, didn’t run away in order to save themselves from future danger and legal trouble. Rather, they placed their trust in God and obeyed His command to teach in the Temple (Acts 5:20-21). Many heard the Good News as a result of their obedient faith and trust.

Paul and Silas were set free from prison (Acts 16:26), but they didn’t run away to try to save themselves from future danger. Instead, they placed their trust in God and obeyed His command to minister the Good News of salvation to the jailer and his household (Acts 16:31ff). If they had run away, there would have been a dead jailer, a grieving wife and household, and unattended wounds all over the bodies of Paul and Silas. But by taking their place and teaching the Good News, there was a saved jailer, a saved household (Acts 16:31-34), and a new church formed in Philippi, which resulted in the letter to the Philippians. Paul and Silas knew Jesus was their Savior, so they trusted in His saving help and carried out His wishes instead of fleeing to “save themselves.”

Where are you in danger? Is Jesus calling you to stand firm in the midst of the present danger and trust in Him as your Savior? Is He calling you to take your place and announce the Good News? (Acts 5:20)

PRAYER: Jesus, may we live no longer for ourselves, but for You (2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20).
PROMISE: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life.” —Jn 3:16
PRAISE: St. Stanislaus’ preaching changed hearts. He lovingly cared for his diocese, including his own brother, the King, who had him murdered.