My attention is drawn this morning to the first reading. Why? Because I watched the President’s briefing to the Nation yesterday and President Trump never hesitates in mentioning or praising God when he speaks publicly. I know a number of you reading this may not like our President (I have a daughter who struggles with him as our leader). That’s not my point. My point is that he has no fear in recognizing God in public, something I believe has gone by the wayside for far too long forhamm a Country that was founded as “One Nation, Under God.” So how do I see a press conference in the first reading? Peter, who not a few days earlier denied God to the public three times is now speaking boldly to the Jewish “Government” of that time…
On the next day, their leaders, elders, and scribes
were assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest,
Caiaphas, John, Alexander,
and all who were of the high-priestly class.
They brought them into their presence and questioned them,
“By what power or by what name have you done this?”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them,
“Leaders of the people and elders:
If we are being examined today
about a good deed done to a cripple,
namely, by what means he was saved,
then all of you and all the people of Israel should know
that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean
whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead;
in his name this man stands before you healed.
He is the stone rejected by you, the builders,
which has become the cornerstone.
There is no salvation through anyone else,
nor is there any other name under heaven
given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
Do you see any hesitation from Peter in speaking the truth to the leaders of the Jewish nation? No, because Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and has the courage now to do so. I just want to simply say thank you President Trump for having the courage to speak of God publicly. May you too, President Trump, be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and lead our nation accordingly.
Do something great for our Lord today – reconnect with the Holy Spirit and have the courage to speak the message that Jesus has risen from the grave. He has loosed us all from the bonds of death. Amen. Alleluia.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult times we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will which is Love and Mercy itself.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 