Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter April 6, 2005 Scripture: Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21 Reflection: After his resurrection from the dead, the apostles were so filled with the Holy Spirit that zeal for proclaiming this new life was evidence that they had allowed God to claim them as God’s own. Consumed with a courage they could not understand, even prison doors could not keep them from preaching in the name of Jesus. So compelling was their preaching that others were drawn to this new way of living, and the high priest and all his supporters, those in power, were jealous. Contrast this jealousy with God’s own generous outpouring of love. “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son…” God’s desire is to rejoice in creation, to include all and to bring light into the world. How often do we allow the darkness of jealousy to blind us to the gifts of others, failing to see their goodness, using our power to exclude? Wherever compassion, mercy and justice are proclaimed and lived, there is truth - there is the light that has come into the world and has overcome the darkness. Suggested Action: Take a few moments in a quiet space, stand still with your eyes closed recognizing the darkness. Place your hands over your heart, open your eyes to the light and pray that God may grasp you so strongly that your life may be a proclamation of God’s compassion, mercy and justice. Sr. Eleanor Mary Marconi, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania