The Apostles were sent by Jesus to proclaim the Good News to the whole world. At Pentecost, the Father filled them with the Holy Spirit, not rationing His generous gift. And these Apostles are praying for us today! They will show us how to live our baptismal identities and operate in the strength of our Confirmations.
In the First Reading, the Apostles are faced with opposition from the Sanhedrin. The high priest questions them, but Peter is not shaken. He remains a firm rock and courageously speaks for the Apostles, saying, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). What a glorious proclamation of faith; Peter is being who God created him to be. Peter is living out of his identity, and he has strength beyond the ordinary.
Peter models for us the strength that God desires for us to have. We are called to remember our Baptism and the holiness that we are called to, no matter what our vocation might be. Each one of us will be faced with our own trials and misunderstandings, and God wants to give us Supernatural Grace that will help us be who we are meant to be.
And in case you are feeling weak, run with confidence to the Sacrament of Confession and the Holy Eucharist. Jesus desires to meet us there. His healing love promises new life and strength for whatever battles we might need to fight today.
Our Risen Lord wants us to live in the hope of our eternal life this Easter season.
Have you read Saint Peter's epistles? These letters are powerful and thought-provoking.
Rose Coleman is a contemplative in action who delights in all things beautiful. Her adventurous heart has traveled many places—from circumnavigating the globe on a ship during college to some years in the convent as a religious sister. Exuberant from her childhood, she is an elementary school teacher who learns so much from her students. You can find out more about her here. She is the author of our Blessed Conversations: Ways to Pray study found here.