Confidence of the Apostles

In the First Reading today, Saint Luke writes about the confidence of the Apostles. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that these are the same men who slept instead of prayed during Jesus’ Agony in the Garden. These are the men who walked so closely with Jesus during his three years of public ministry, yet abandoned Him during His suffering and death. These are the men who locked the doors to the Upper Room, hiding in fear after the Crucifixion. And this is Saint Peter, the one whom Jesus chose to be the rock on which He would build His Church; the one whom denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times.

Jesus sent His Apostles into the world with the mission to proclaim the Good News. But the twelve Apostles were arrested, questioned, and ordered to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. Can you hear their confident reply? These Apostles have been transformed, and they know that they must obey God rather than men. These are the men who have been strengthened by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. These are the men who were miraculously released from prison. These are the men who believed and received the gift of eternal life. These are the Apostles who are interceding for us from Heaven so that we might believe and receive eternal life. Won’t it be so wonderful to meet them face to face?

Until then, let’s invite the Apostles to walk with us as we journey through the gift of this day. Are you distressed by financial difficulties? Afraid of a medical diagnosis? Pained in a relationship? Troubled in your vocational discernment? Broken hearted in grief? Exhausted by your weaknesses? Ashamed of your sinfulness? The Father hears your cry, and He does not ration His gift of the Spirit. In the Nicene Creed, we profess the Holy Spirit as the Lord, the Giver of Life. Let Him breathe new life into your pain today. And be confident that He can work in your life the same way He worked in the lives of the Apostles.

The Father hears your cry, and He does not ration His gift of the Spirit.Click to tweet

The Father transformed their exhaustion, fear, and shame into a new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. How will He strengthen us today?

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.