"Then they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." - Acts 5:41
In today's first reading we hear of the Apostles who, due to preaching the name of Jesus, are arrested, and undergo physical suffering and chastisement as a result. But we also hear that they rejoiced in their suffering. Not mentioned in the readings for today, Church tradition tells us that all but one of the Apostles, John, suffer martyrdom for their faith. These men were willing to die for the proclamation and advancement of the faith.
Now, you may be hearing this and wondering why they let themselves be subjected to this. As I reflect on the readings for today, I come to think that the Apostles were fully tapped into the rich joy that comes with proclaiming the Gospel message. They understood the value of the message they were charged with spreading as their pearl of great price. After all, Matthew the Apostle recounts in his Gospel (Matthew 5:10-12) Jesus telling the crowd that the reward for those who suffer for the sake of righteousness will be great.
We can look to the Apostles (especially St. Jude, the patron of our diocese) for a great example of how we can be Courageously Living the Gospel in our daily lives, and the joys that come with proclaiming the Gospel message to others, both by word and by action. We too should rejoice, for we have also been found worthy to suffer dishonor from the world for the name of Jesus.
How can I proclaim the Gospel in my daily life?
St. Jude, pray and intercede for us as we strive to Courageously Live the Gospel.
Reflection by:
Benjamin Harris
Did you know...
Benjamin Harris is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg and in his first St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida. His home parish is St. Theresa in Spring Hill, Florida. He is an avid fan of Tampa Bay sports, however, he is a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan. He enjoys cooking, playing sports, fishing, the outdoors, and talking about cars.
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