A Reflection for Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Find today’s readings here.
So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin,
and conferred with one another, saying,
“What are we to do with these men?
Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign
was done through them, and we cannot deny it.
But so that it may not be spread any further among the people,
let us give them a stern warning
never again to speak to anyone in this name.”
I identify with the elders and scribes of the Sanhedrin, here in the Acts of the Apostles, far more than with Peter and John. God’s remarkable signs are everywhere in my life. It feels impossible to deny them, and still I try to turn away from them.
What’s that about?
In the nights, weeks and months I can recall and identify as the darkest or most turbulent and upsetting times of my life, I was always being called to stillness. Running from deadlines at school or isolating myself from friends and family, these were all moments of struggle when I was denying and ignoring God’s gifts around me. They stood before me, these gifts: loved ones, classmates, the beauty of a walk in the park, the wonders of silence. With the bitterness of my fear, I did not readily turn to them. The trouble was (and still is) that reminding yourself of your ever present consolations is difficult work to do when you have convinced yourself you are alone.
Thankfully, at those dark points, the more steadfast and faithful people in my life were around to grab me by the shoulders and give me a good shake. But to always be able to return to the Acts of the Apostles is a comfort.
I will surely find myself, once again, ignoring God’s signs in my life when I next wallow in misery’s temptation or in my own complaints. Looking his gifts in the eye will be too hard, his angels too frightening, the tasks required by his calls too difficult, if I do not return to today’s passage: After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened.
This, for me, is a text about acceptance. The people praising God are too numerous; Peter and John must be released. The people praying for both you and me are undeniable; we must accept that we are loved. It is Easter and Christ is risen. Spring is very much alive. I am happy we are too.
