During the Easter season, the first readings we have in the daily masses come from the Acts of the Apostles. I have enjoyed hearing them again, about the development of the early Church, about the missionary efforts of the apostles, about the way our belief in Jesus and his ministry developed in the years right after his death and resurrection. Poor Paul had such a difficult time with his missionary efforts, not only with those to whom he was bringing God’s word, but also the Jewish authorities who constantly challenged him and tried to destroy him. Paul is sneaky and intelligent, however, as we hear him trap the Sadducees and Pharisees, getting them in an argument that he knows will keep them occupied, since these two groups do not agree in the belief in the resurrection.
Today, we see various Christian groups still arguing about differences in what they believe. You cannot believe the anti-Catholic feelings I sometime encounter as a priest. It can be disheartening at times. Yet we are called to speak the truth in the way that we understand it, and to witness to our faith both in our actions and in our words.
I give thanks to Paul for his courage and strength. May we follow in those same footsteps as disciples of Christ.
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