Homily for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter

What a contrast to the reception of the Apostles in the areas surrounding Jerusalem that we hear about in our reading from the Acts of the Apostles today. Despite being in fear for their lives, especially after the death of Stephen, they are out and about spreading the Good News. And despite the threats against those who converted to Christianity, the Apostles were winning them over.

What was at work was a sense of joy and commitment. Despite all the dangers, they conveyed commitment by risking their lives to spread the Good News of Jesus; they exuded joy in their faith in Him. This joy was so evident and powerful to the people they preached to that many couldn't help but joyfully and wholeheartedly accept faith in Jesus Christ.

As we know, all of us are called to preach the Good News of our salvation in Jesus. Do we do so with a sense of joy or a sense of fear? Do we do so with an understanding of the freedom of God's children or with a sense of obligation? Do we do so with a spirit of the letter of the law or with a spirit that embraces the commandments of Jesus to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves? Do we do so with a sense of judgment, or the mercy and compassion Jesus showed when he ate with the sinner?

Let us strive for a commitment and joy that will draw others to our faith. Let's be the beacon of light in the darkness, just like the Apostles were in their time.