1st Reading: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm: 118. R. v. 21a; Gospel: Mk 16:9-15

HAVE A HUMBLE DOCILE HEART

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

There are times we find ourselves caught in the middle of affirmation and denial. It could be that moment when we are very certain about the obvious outstanding quality of a person but find it very difficult to openly affirm it and at the same time cannot deny that such quality or gift exists because we know they really do. Do we know what is rocking us at this moment? It is Mr. Jealousy or that impassable spirit in us. It will take us nothing to say to a person “You are a very good singer.” The reason we sometimes struggle with affirmations is because of our ego; that feeling that something about us will diminish the moment we praise others.

Just imagine the struggle of the rulers, the elders and the scribes in affirming the wonderful work of God through the apostles. When they conferred with one another to decide the fate of Peter and John whom they arrested because of the healing of the lame man, they said: “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.” (Acts 4:16). They knew the truth that the work of the apostles were from God but wouldn’t profess it openly or say it before Peter and John. It was so obvious. Even the man who was healed was standing before them. See how impassable these men could be.

When it comes to our relationship with one another, it will cost us nothing to accept the truth to the honour of others. Doing this is actually acknowledging the beautiful works of God done through them. When we affirm these works, we honour God. We should not allow jealousy steal this away from us.

When it comes to our relationship with God, we need to be careful when we resist clearly revealed truths. This blocks the possibility of repentance. It is a sin against the Holy Spirit because we resist God and refuse conversion. And in this case, we cannot be forgiven because we willingly chose to remain in sin. In Jesus Christ, God revealed all the truths we need to know. Rejecting these truths is equal to doom.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us the humility and docility of spirit. Amen.