Saturday, April 22, 2006
MONDAY 2ND WEEK OF EASTER
APRIL 24, 2006
MONDAY 2ND WEEK OF EASTER - YEAR II
ACTS 4:23-31
After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and
reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when
they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and
said, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all
that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of
our father David, your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the
peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and
the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his
anointed. "Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy
servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together
with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand
and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord,
take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your
word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and
signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant
Jesus." As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook,
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak
the word of God with boldness.
JOHN 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came
to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a
teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that
you are doing unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to
him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he
cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a
man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his
mother's womb and be born again, can he?" Jesus answered, "Amen,
amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot
enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is
born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, `You
must be born from above.' The wind blows where it wills, and you can
hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or
where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
REFLECTION
Entering into the second week of Easter, we note in the Book of
Acts, the boldness of the early church in proclaiming Christ Jesus
as the messenger and the message.
In the first reading, Peter and John courageously teach and preach
to the religious and political leaders of Israel, and find
themselves released with a mere "stern warning ... never to mention
that man's name to anyone again." Returning to their community of
faith, there was great rejoicing amongst the apostles, disciples and
the early believers that led to powerful prayers of praise and
thanksgiving. Despite the harassment, religious discrimination and
persecution, the leaders of the community of believers continued to
pursue with great zeal the person, work and proclamation of the
resurrected Jesus Christ.
In the Gospel, we note the circumstances of Nicodemus, a Pharisee
and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, who came to see Jesus secretly.
It is interesting to observe the varied circumstances and situations
in our epistle and Gospel readings. On one hand, we read about a
public, open setting while on the other hand there is a private
venue but in both cases there is a clear and spirited declaration of
faith. We also read about Nicodemus, who secretly admires Jesus,
and the disciples Peter and John who openly announce their
allegiance to Jesus.
Let us imitate the early Christian community, clearly admiring and
boldly manifesting our faith in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We can
use words, if necessary, but more importantly we can reflect our
faith in our life-style and family life.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
- for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
- for the speedy recovery of Untoy.
- may the Holy Spirit guide David on his discernment.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Geraldine Uy
- Birthday: Evelyn Co Yu
- Birthday: Juanita L. Tan
- Birthday: Lilian van der Engh
- Prayer Intention: Nañagas Family
- for world peace and reconciliation.
Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our
prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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