Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.

Just like the early disciples, we shouldn’t let persecution keep us from preaching the word and helping others. Proclaiming the Good News and doing good works are two of the most essential actions we can take as Christians. By giving our voices to the Divine Word of God, we can guide and inspire others to become better models of Christ. By giving our flesh to the Body of Christ, we can perform acts of charity and mercy that can heal others of their physical, emotional, and spiritual ills and bring joy to those who are suffering. All it takes for this world to become a better place is for each of us to choose to better ourselves by becoming more Christ-like in thought, word, and work.

Are we willing to preach the Word of God even if it means suffering for it? Are we willing to help others in their times of need even if it means we might be persecuted? How can we become more charitable and merciful in our thoughts, speech, and actions?

O Lord, send us forth to preach your word and heal the hurt.

Amen.