The Acts of the Apostles

After Easter, the first readings are generally taken from the Acts of the Apostles. This is primarily because they contain the kerygma: the first proclamation of the resurrected Christ through the words and deeds of the Apostles.

These readings have additional layers of meaning this year, coinciding as they do with the death of Pope John Paul II.

For example, as I read of the liberation of Peter and the other Apostles from prison, as depicted in today’s first reading (Acts 5:17-26), I cannot help but think of this successor of Peter’s liberation from the prison of an infirm body when God called him home according to His time.

Then as I read of the authorities’ delicate handling of the Apostles “because they were afraid of being stoned by the people” I remember how the Communist dictators reacted to Pope John Paul II as millions flocked to him as he proclaimed the Gospel of Christ.

These readings encourage us to be apostolic in our own lives: faithful to the Gospel passed on by the Apostles and going forth to spread that message to others.

The account of the Apostles’ liberation from prison should also encourage us to ask the Lord’s help in liberating us from whatever ungodly prisons keep us from living the Gospel fully: prisons such as addictions, sinful habits, inappropriate relationships, close-mindedness, prejudices, or laziness.

Libera nos, Domine.