One of the most life-giving and encouraging aspects of the early Church was the radical way in which her members lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostles and many of their followers imitated Christ in a truly impressive way. The power of God flowed right through them, as is seen in the miracles they performed, the boldness of their preaching, their tremendous concern for one another and for the poor, and their courage in the midst of intense persecution.
Our readings today make note of the attacks directed at Christ’s followers. In Acts, we read: “The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory.” In the Book of Revelation, John is given a vision of heaven in which he looks upon a huge crowd whom an elder describes as “the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.”
What is most impressive is not the mere fact that these early followers of Christ endured the attacks against them, but rather the way in which they endured it. Luke goes on to say in the very next sentence after he describes the persecution of Paul and Barnabas: “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”
My experience has been that the only thing that makes this possible is great love. The Twelve had finally, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, come to realize the overwhelming love God had for each of them personally. They came to accept that Christ was indeed the Good Shepherd of their souls. That love coupled with the penetrating truth of the Good News that Jesus lived and proclaimed became a power rising up in them and sending them out into the world with unforeseen courage and joy. When your love is strong, suffering is easily endured. When your love is intensely strong, suffering is endured with joy.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the same Holy Spirit that came down upon the early Church and transformed her members has made a home in our hearts through Baptism and Confirmation. Christ nourishes that life with His very Body and Blood every time we go to Mass. He is waiting for us to respond by pouring out our lives as a gift in return for His love. He is waiting for us to speak boldly in His name, to perform miracles of love, and to endure our suffering with joy.
Fr. Peterson is Campus Minister at Marymount University in Arlington.
(This article courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald.)
