April 29, 2020 Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter –A ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Acts of the Apostles: 8:1-8
Psalm 66
John 6:35-40
Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 8:4
Lord, your very young and small church had a rough start. The Apostles fearlessly preached the good news they had seen and heard from you. Because they were so open about witnessing to you they got into hot water with the Jewish authorities, Saul among them. They were being hunted down and thrown into prison. The true believers scattered from Jerusalem and went to places of safety like Samaria. In these places they again preached and witnessed to the gospel. Because of the danger and persecution in Jerusalem people in these new places of refuge became believers due to the courage of your disciples. This of how God can use what looks to us like a bad deal (persecution) to spread his word and bring salvation to those who had not heard it. The Apostles were given courage to do this by the Pentecost gifts of the Holy Spirit. This was all part of God’s wonderful plan to save mankind. While they went about this work the Apostles were nourished by your body and blood. Lord, today this pandemic is a terrible hardship for many people. Even this time of suffering can be used by the Father to guide more people to himself. He does not wish to see his children suffer but he knows if we reach out in faith and are open to the Holy Spirit even this time can be a time of growth in our relationship with and love of our Father. St. Catherine of Siena pray for us. Amen. Alleluia.