Date: April 24, 2020 ()

Bible Text: Acts 5:34-42 |

Series:

“So, the apostles left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name (of Jesus).”

Rejoicing in suffering is one of the distinct characteristics of the followers of Jesus. And this one too is one of the unique teachings of Christ.

Jesus previously taught His disciples about the beatitudes. These teachings contain the reversals of the values of the world. With these, many could not understand Him, that’s why some of those who followed Him once, began to unfollow.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven (Mt. 5:11-12)”. The prophets before suffered the same plight and now it’s the apostles’ turn.

Whether it is persecution or some difficult tests in our discipleship, what is more important now is to remain in the Lord.

When I pray for those who are terminally ill, I always make sure I ask the Lord for a miraculous healing for the infirmed, no matter how old the patient is or how serious is the sickness. But equally important in that prayer is to ask the Lord that the sick person will be strengthened in faith - that his or her soul will continue to believe in the Lord; and remain strong from the temptation of despair. Fr. John implied in his previous reflection that the Lord does not only give us tests that are proportionate to our capacity to solve them but He also gives us a problem that could be way too much for us to take or even beyond our capacity to fix. Our saints, martyrs, and apostles are the concrete examples of this reality. But it is precisely because of this hard reality that allowed them to live the beatitudes.

At the height of anticipation and anxiety in embarking to the new millennium, rumors about the end of the world got the attention of many people. A pastor of a particular Christian Sect opined: “I have studied the bible from page to page, and I have a deep conviction that after a thousand years or two, the force of Satan will be unleashed and it will be the end of the world. If it will not happen, then Christ is not telling the truth and I will leave my religion.” How sad, these words of despair could come from the mouth of a pastor.

We may not be aware one day we will find ourselves complaining a lot in our prayers especially in these distressing times. It’s a real struggle though and we could be in the peril of losing our faith. But we can learn from the apostles, the saints, and martyrs - staying in the Lord is more important than holding on to dear life.

I am wondering why there were a handful of priests died of COVID-19 in Italy. May God reward these holy priests for their bravery. I am convinced that the last ground in this battle against COVID-19 happens deep inside the realm of the spirits where one soul fights for his or her faith and the priest have to be there, to join each of them in this final definitive battle. I hope I am ready for this.