Tell everyone about this life!

Wednesday the 2nd Week of Easter
Acts 5:17-26 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Jn 3:16-21

Contrasting Light and Darkness
Luke and John contrast darkness and light in the readings today. In Luke’s Acts of the Apostles – the Apostles and so the Gospel (the light) are imprisoned (in the dark), yet God frees them so that they can do His work (show the light). Jesus also contrasts darkness to light – saying that those who are sinners prefer the darkness while those who follow Him prefer the light. Because we are his disciples, we are called to seek the light and avoid the darkness.

The Gospel cannot be imprisoned
The imprisonment of the Apostles – At this time in the history of the Church this meant the imprisonment of the Gospel. The Gospel will not be imprisoned – the Good news cannot be contained.

What are ways that the world tries to imprison the Gospel
Religion ought to be private – you can’t bring it in here.

• You can’t mix politics and religion
• You can’t bring religion into school
• Your religion is your opinion – don’t push it on me

Religion is the source of intolerance

• People who are devout are ignorant
• People who are devout are insensitive – pushy with their faith.
• Religion teaches hate – it causes division.

Take a moment and reflect on which of these questions paralyzes you from preaching the Gospel.

[PAUSE]

How ought we respond when the world tries to imprison the Gospel?
As Christians we cannot allow these arguments to imprison the Gospel, or our faith life. The counter to this argument is to follow the direction of the Angel who freed the Apostles from imprisonment – go and tell the people everything about this life!