Saturday within the Octave of Easter
… what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
What is your first reaction when you see something fascinating or when something really exciting happens to you? Do you try to capture the moment by writing about it online, taking a picture, or telling all of your friends? In today’s first reading, Peter and John didn’t have access to modern technology, but they still made it a point to tell everyone about their exciting experience of Jesus and his resurrection.
Isn’t this a good way to look at our call to evangelize? The thought of talking about our faith can be daunting because we don’t always know where to start. But we can all follow Peter and John’s example by talking about our own experiences of the Lord.
But Peter and John had a huge advantage, you might say. They lived with Jesus for three years. They saw him perform lots of miracles and free countless people from guilt. Well, that’s true, but you have experiences of Jesus too, right? Think about the times that you have felt his encouragement, seen his blessing, or even witnessed a miracle in your life or the life of a loved one. Maybe he sent a stranger to help you at just the right moment, or maybe a friend called you to say just the right thing at just the right time.
Your experiences may not be as dramatic as Peter and John’s, or maybe the are. But they are your personal experiences of the Lord. No one can take them away from you. What’s more, experiences like these touch people and inspire them—often more powerfully than if you were to rattle off a list of Catholic doctrines. A lot of your co-workers and neighbors might have heard about Jesus and all he did two thousand years ago, but they will sit up and take notice when they hear that he is still at work today.
Take it one step at a time. Share with a friend a little story about something God has done for you recently, and see where the conversation goes. You can take courage knowing that God rewards even the smallest effort. Remember: he wants people to know the gospel!
“Lord, help me to step out and tell people about what I have seen and heard.”
Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15
Daily Marriage Tip for April 11, 2015:
Is there an older married couple whom you admire? What one or two things have you learned from them?