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"Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them  as he came by." – Acts 5: 14-15

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The apostles,  after receiving power from the Holy Spirit, were doing many signs and wonders among the people. This led many people to come to believe in Jesus. Slowly there was an increase in the number of men and women who wanted to follow the teachings of Christ. The apostles were united so strongly and they were held in high esteem by others. Peter being the leader of them all was given even more respect.

People who heard about the miracles done by Peter were bringing sick people from far and wide and laid them on the roadside so that Peter's shadow might fall on them. People had such a strong faith that even the shadow of Peter was enough for the people to heal. Do we have such a strong faith?

In the present world also, we see many people come to believe in Christ through the powerful witnessing of his disciples. We also see few people getting away from Christ may be due to the wrong witness given by a few. Let us ask this question to ourselves : 'Am I giving a proper witnessing to Christ through my life'? Through my life, am I able to bring a few people closer to Christ? If the answer is 'yes', then I am sure that we would receive our reward in heaven. 

God wants each one of us to be his instruments of love and mercy. He wants us to help him to save more souls. He expects our cooperation. Just like the apostles, let us also be empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit to be his true witnesses.

Reflection on Acts of the Apostles 5: 1-16 by Fr. George Joseph  SVD

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Humilitatem induite | Be subject

"Clothe yourselves with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). 

We usually prefer to be served rather than serve others. For we think that it's the higher status if we are served. The disciples of Jesus also thought in this way before the experience of the cross. After their Master showed them the way how to become a servant, Apostle Peter wanted to follow him. It's very clear in the First Letter of Peter when he writes: "Clothe yourselves with humility" (1 Pet 5:5).  

 

Such an attitude needs humility. But it's not easy to become humble. In the congregations like Society of Divine Word, we take a vow of obedience. From my own experience, this vow is the most difficult one. Because we resign to decide by our own and let our superiors to make decisions for us. Obviously, all of us know that "God gives grace to the humble" but become obedient it is a big challenge. 

As God's servants, we need to "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God". We do serve God in order to be exalted. Furthermore, if we are humble, God supports us and hears our petitions. If we are humble, we are able to receive any answer from God the Father. Since we are aware that our Father knows better. He invites us to cast all our care upon him and trust that he cares for us. If we are humble in the presence of God we usually respect and serve others too. 

We do not want to be proud like our adversary who is the devil. On the contrary, by the grace of God, we follow the example of Jesus Christ. If we allow Christ to live in our hearts, his humble attitude towards people will be also our attitude towards our brothers and sisters. Thanks to this change of thinking, God's peace will abide among us. 

Reflection on 1 Peter 5:5-14 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak, SVD.