The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, April 27, 2006
Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 5:27-33
Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-20
John 3:31-36

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Christians are still feeling joy as they recall the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week. It may seem easier at this time to spread the Good News while we are feeling this way. Think of the apostles. They had just experienced their good friend and Lord crucified, and when He rose from the dead it was with the wound marks still visible. The threat of death for them also was very real, as people knew they were followers of Christ.

In the first reading the apostles are brought into court and questioned about the fact that they continue preaching the Word of God, even though they had been warned by the court officers not to do so. We know historically they continued to do so. The gospel describes why we should adhere to the Word of God, and what will happen to those who do not.

The questions we might ask ourselves from these readings are:

1. Do I really hear -- listen -- to the word of God when it is given by others, both formally such as in scriptural readings, or by casual statements of others?

2. Do I take every occasion that I can, to let others know about the word of God?

3. Do I enjoy and read scripture myself?

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)