The members of the Sanhedrin were so angered by the boldness of the preaching of Peter and his companions that they wanted to put them to death. However, Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, tells them that they should not make them martyrs, that this would just draw attention to their movement and draw new members, that they should just let the movement die out. The Sanhedrin follow his advice by having them thrown out and not put to death, but in their anger, they still have the apostles flogged. As disciples of Christ, the Gospel message we bring to the world will still insight anger and derision. But it is a message that will live on because it is truly from God.
Today, we celebrate the feast day of St Athanasius, Bishop of the great city of Alexandria, Egypt, an important center of learning and commerce in the ancient world. Athanasius served as bishop there for 45 years in the 4th century, but he was sent into exile on 5 different occasions. More than 6 years of that time of exile was spent in the desert. Athanasius is one of that select group of men and women who have been named as a Doctor of the Church for their contributions to spirituality, theology, and Church doctrine. As Bishop, Athanasius battled Arianism, a belief named after Arius, a priest who lived in Alexandria in that same era. Arius and those who supported Arianism saw Jesus the Son as being subordinate and inferior to God the Father. Many emperors and Church leaders of this era held this same heretical belief. The writings and teaching of Athanasius defended the doctrine of the Trinity and are fundamental as to how we understand the three persons of the Trinity today in the Church’s teachings. We unite our prayers with St Athanasius and entire community of saints today as we celebrate the risen Christ during this joyful Easter season.
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