Seventh Friday of Easter

His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.

The world doesn't quite know what to do with Christians. Some worldly people ignore us, others persecute us... and a still others see our good works and wonder if our lives reveal there is something better than the world. We cause confusion, discord, and all manner of problems for those who are part of the world. But that's what Jesus did, too. He was and still is a sign of contradiction. He died so that hearts of others might be known. He died so that we all might have a chance to live in accordance with the commandments to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths... and to love our neighbors as He loves them. Our faith isn't of the world, but it does send us forth into the world to be lights to the earth and bring people closer to God and to the promise of life everlasting.

Are we being good and faithful examples of what it means to be Christians? How can we bear the light of Jesus into the world with even more fidelity? What can we do to help others to follow the Way, to hear the Truth, and the live the Life of Christ?

O Lord, help us to bear the Good News into the world with all our strength.

Amen.