Solemnity of Easter Saturday April 2, 2005 Scripture: Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15 Reflection: “So they called them back and made it clear that under no circumstances were they to speak the name of Jesus or teach about him.” -Acts 4:18 This passage from Acts increases my awareness of the sacred power of the name of Jesus. The Sadducees were threatened by the fact that Peter and John were going about working wonders in Jesus’ name. In trying to stop the “Jesus movement” from spreading, they actually intensified the resolve of the disciples to preach and teach in his name: “Surely we cannot help speaking of what we have heard and seen”! -Acts 4:20 I can never pray this passage without thinking of Sister Evangeline, principal of Marywood Seminary when I was a student there. She was a woman who loved words and used them well. Later in life, she developed cancer and had surgery that removed organs necessary for speech. Just before leaving for the operating room, the last word she spoke aloud was “Jesus.” How sacred the Holy Name was to her! What a lesson of reverence she taught by this gesture of love and surrender! Suggested Action: Today spend some time savoring the name, Jesus, and praying for greater reverence of the Holy Name. Sr. Anne Munley, IHM Rome, Italy