Acts 11:19-26 Ps 87:1-3, 4-5, 6-7 Jn 10:22-30

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Today’s reading from Acts is a wonderful example of the transformation that the Apostles underwent after the resurrection. If you need a refresher as to their general attitude during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, go back to Matthew 26:56 and witness the apostles fleeing from Jesus the moment he was arrested. And after that moment, you hear almost nothing from the Apostles until the resurrection when they come out of hiding.

Just before the reading for today, the Apostles were arrested for healing the sick and teaching in Jesus’ name. Shortly afterward, they escaped from jail only to be caught and arrested (without force) for teaching in the temple again. This capture and recapture of the Apostles is almost comical and is completely different from their previous actions. Today’s First Reading starts with the Apostles before the Sanhedrin after this second arrest. What change occurred that took away the tremendous fear they felt as Jesus died? Why were they so eager to escape arrest then, but now continue to preach Jesus’ name even after two arrests in consecutive days? Peter’s reply is the Spirit.

The Spirit flooded them with courage and confidence. They no longer cared that what they were doing was not popular, normal, or even acceptable. The Spirit calls us to do what we know is right, to follow our heart fearlessly and poised. The Apostles knew that their work was for God, and that was enough.