Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
They did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)
In 2011, Italian scientists announced a new finding about the Shroud of Turin, which many have claimed to be Christ’s burial cloth. The scientists stated that the image on the shroud, which resembled a crucified man, was not painted on. So how did it get there? They tried to produce a similar effect on another piece of cloth using lasers. They succeeded only partially, speculating that at least thirty-four thousand billion watts of energy would be needed to produce such an image.
That would make sense if the man on the shroud had really been raised from the dead—for the power of God is certainly greater than anything man-made!
The scribe Gamaliel may have sensed this power when he heard the preaching of the apostles. Why didn’t he simply join the rest of the Sanhedrin in condemning them? He was obviously trying to be objective: If these men were telling the truth, it would be of no use to try to stop them. Indeed, this small group of disciples couldn’t have had the impact they were having without some powerful assistance!
Both the story of the shroud and Gamaliel’s reasoning tell us that Christianity is more than just a set of ideas. It is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). There is a dynamic force in the message of salvation that can reach into hearts and lives and change people from the inside out—you as well as the people in your life who don’t yet believe in Christ!
So don’t shortchange yourself—or God, for that matter—by thinking that only extra-holy people can be effective witnesses for Christ. If you can find just one opportunity today to share something about your faith, you will be making a difference. It’s not about you anyway; it’s about Jesus and his power! Surely you can rely on him as you share your story. And when you do, know that it’s not just you speaking. The Holy Spirit is there, in your words, adding his grace to your witness.
“Lord, I rejoice that your Spirit is alive in me. May he shine through me today, and may I be courageous in bearing witness to you in all that I say and do.”
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; John 6:1-15
Daily Marriage Tip for May 2, 2014:
May is traditionally a month dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Consider praying a rosary today, or even just a decade, and entrusting your spouse and family to Mary’s maternal care.