The first reading today talks about the persecution of the early Catholic Church in Jerusalem. Christians are being scattered, as groups of angry Jews storm into houses, and forcibly evict men, women, and children. Stephen, the first Deacon, and perhaps the first martyr, is dead and recently buried. Saul, who approved of the stoning of Stephen, is among the leaders of the anti-Catholic, anti-Christian crusade. This reminds me of images from World War 2, when the Nazis would storm into a city, and do the same thing to Jewish people. The Warsaw Ghetto is one such example that stands out for me, especially being of Polish heritage.
On a positive note, those who escaped the troubles were said to continue their teaching, preaching and practice of the faith. In a rare appearance in the Bible, Philip is mentioned specifically as going out and healing and teaching, just like in the “good old days” before the rough treatment. Philip will also be mentioned tomorrow.
Another positive note is that the Apostles did not flee Jerusalem. The Bible passage specifically said this. They were fired up by the Holy Spirit, and willing to do whatever it took to spread Jesus’ Good News. There was a lot of danger for them in Jerusalem, which led to capture, torture, and anguish…but they kept at it. The reading really had a “feel” for being part of Acts because it was. Acts reminds me of all these heroic things that the early Church did. Luke is straight forward in his writings, in my opinion.
Why Not Run?
It sure would have been easier and less painful for the Apostles to skip town, lay low, and come back when the dust settled. The Holy Spirit did not let that happen. The rewards of following Jesus had become clearer now that the Resurrection had happened. Jesus summed up the “reward” in the Gospel of today, when He said that if you came to Him, you would never hunger, never thirst, and you will have eternal life. Of course, that is in the afterlife, but certainly great rewards. However, Jesus never said it would be easy. Most of the apostles died horrible deaths, and I believe all died as martyrs except John.
But that was a long time ago, so why does it matter?
In 2021, Barron’s reported that 5900 Christians were killed worldwide, just for being Christians. In Afghanistan, the Taliban was handed lists of Christians. They are hunt down, found, removed from their houses, and imprisoned, killed, abused, or some combination of those acts. Sounds remarkably like the readings of today, written an awfully long time ago.
Let us pray for those persecuted for their faith. Do what you can to enjoy the religious liberties you still have and use those liberties to help your fellow man. Do what you can to spread the Good News in word and deed. I am not eager to become a martyr, but we can honor the martyrs of yesterday and today in how we live. Do it today!
Inspiring! Thank you Paul.