Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Saint Martin I (d. 655)

Illustration in Moralia of Job, Citeaux, 13th Century

Readings of the day: RB 59 Reception of Children

Mass: Ac 5:34-42; Resp Ps 27; Jn 6:1-15

ALL DAY LONG, BOTH AT THE TEMPLE AND IN THEIR HOMES, THE APOSTLES DID NOT STOP TEACHING AND PROCLAIMING THE CHRIST JESUS.

Today let us think about our freedom. We have three examples: Gamaliel, Peter and John, and Jesus. Do I possess Christian freedom? Am I free, or am I a slave to my passions, ambitions, riches, or passing fancies? It seems like a joke, but many people are slaves to fashion! … Let us reflect on our freedom in the midst of a ‘schizophrenic’ world. It shouts ‘Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!’ but is really a slave. Let us reflect on the freedom that God gives us in Jesus.

(Pope Francis, homily, Casa Santa Marta, April 13, 2018)

Holiness is also parrhesía: it is boldness, an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world. To allow us to do this, Jesus himself comes and tells us once more, serenely yet firmly: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Mk 6:50). ‘I am with you always, to the end of the world’ (Mt 28:20). These words enable us to go forth and serve with the same courage that the Holy Spirit stirred up in the Apostles, impelling them to proclaim Jesus Christ. Boldness, enthusiasm, the freedom to speak out, apostolic fervor, all these are included in the word parrhesía. The Bible also uses this word to describe the freedom of a life open to God and to others (cf. Ac 4:29, 9:28, 28:31; 2 Co 3:12; Ep 3:12; Heb 3:6, 10:19).

(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, 129)

Let us ask the Lord for the grace not to hesitate when the Spirit calls us to take a step forward. Let us ask for the apostolic courage to share the Gospel with others and to stop trying to make our Christian life a museum of memories. In every situation, may the Holy Spirit cause us to contemplate history in the light of the risen Jesus. In this way, the Church will not stand still, but constantly welcome the Lord’s surprises.

(Gaudete et Exsultate, 139)

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION;

WHOM SHOULD I FEAR?

THE LORD IS MY LIFE’S REFUGE;

OF WHOM SHOULD I BE AFRAID?

(Resp Ps 27)