April 24, 2026 // Friday of the Third Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Acts 9:1-20
Reflect on the Word //
“Take a walk,” spoken in a firm but gentle tone is often the last thing anyone wants to hear in the heat of an argument. I wanted to stay firm in my stance, but the words nudged me onward like a sudden gust of wind, giving me no choice but to move with it. I huffed as I walked, incredulous at the conversation I was just pulled from. I stubbornly laughed at the absurdity of a walk. If I take a lap around the block, won’t I just return bearing the same anger and confusion? What can a walk really do?
As I learned, a walk can do a lot. When our legs begin to move, our blood begins to flow, we feel the breeze through our hair, and we experience movement throughout our body. Movement is a small change, a gentle reminder that if our legs can move, our blood can flow, and our hair can lap in the breeze, then what is stopping our hearts from being moved? In today’s First Reading, Saul left for Damascus, “still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). He was brimming with rage, a mission that pushed every stride, but Jesus fell into step with him on the journey. He appeared to Saul suddenly, saying, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4) Jesus didn’t stop Saul from going to Damascus, but He did move Saul’s heart with holy conviction. Saul had embarked on his walk to carry out his own sinful plots, to dig his heels in further, but the Lord, Whose blood he was shedding, delivered a new mission—to proclaim the very One he had set out to persecute. How humble Saul must have been to abandon his quest and admit he was wrong.
When we find ourselves angry, whether it be righteously or unrighteously, do we set out to persecute others or to cultivate resolution and peace? Sister, the Lord has fallen into step with you. He does not want you to walk with a hard heart. He wants to give you His.
Relate to the Lord // Go for a walk today. Long or short, fast or slow, it will do your heart good.
Olivia Jackson, known by her friends and family as Liv, is a college student pursuing a BA with a major in elementary education. When she is not in the classroom, she loves to dance, hike, and workout. Sundays hold a special place in her heart, and she loves to celebrate them by sabbathing with her roommates and basking in nature.
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