In today’s reading from Acts, we hear about the increased persecutions of the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem that occurred just after Stephen was stoned to death. Stephen became the first martyr of the early Church immediately following Christ’s death and resurrection. That era of increased persecution led to even greater evangelization and an increase in conversions to the way of Jesus. In the midst of these persecutions, Philip goes to Samaria where he performs miracles of healing and exorcisms to the shouts of great joy in that city. There are times where we can feel out of place for the values of our faith that we try to live out in the face of adversity. Yet, we are reminded through our reading today that times adversity and tribulation can bring about transformation, renewal, and an abundant harvest.
We are call to feel the joy of the resurrection during the days of the Easter season. Jesus is resurrected – that should fill our hearts with joy and comfort. Yet, sometimes what is going on in our lives do not fill our hearts with joy and hope. I found this quote from Henri Nouwen relevant to todays message from Acts: "Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. We joyfully announce it. [And yet] I realize that my faith and unbelief are never far from each other. Maybe it is exactly at the place where they touch each other that the growing edge of my life is." May we embrace the reality of our joys and our sorrows, our comforts and our challenges, our doubt and our belief. May we feel God’s presence today on our journey.
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