Be Courageous!

Binhi sang Pagtuo

May 18, 2009

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the Chaplain’s Office!

Our reflection for this week comes from Acts 5: 17-42. This scripture text tells us the story about how the disciples of Jesus were persecuted, harassed and imprisoned because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When the disciples were let out by the angels from their prison cells, they once again preached the gospel in the temple and anywhere where there are people who are willing to listen. The Jewish religious leaders heard about this, and they called the disciples in their council to answer various charges hurled against them. They were told by the high council, especially the high priest to stop preaching in the name of Jesus Christ. But the apostles answered the council, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”

The high council was furious when they heard this reply from the apostles. They planned to kill all of them. Some of the members of the council followed the advice of Gamaliel, a Pharisee, to leave the apostles alone because if what they were doing is from God, they will be fighting against God. But some had the apostles flogged.

What was the message of the apostles?

The angles commanded them to “give the people the message of life” – a new life in Jesus Christ. This message was a very simple message and was understood by the people. Thousands of people joined them every day. Why? Because this message is devoid of the burden of rituals perpetuated by religious leaders – rituals that led some of them to corrupt practices like collusion of priests and merchants selling in the temple area. This message was joined by the testimony of the lives of apostles – they practiced what they preached.

What gave the apostles the confidence, the courage and the will to be consistent on their actions and convictions no matter what the costs were?

The statement “we must obey God rather than what you are telling us” was a courageous stand. This statement also answers our question – they were obeying the command of God. They did not forsake the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Book Acts is not only called the Acts of the Apostles, but more appropriately it is also called the Acts of the Holy Spirit.

Their courage in preaching the good news has left a legacy throughout the whole world. Their courage to teach and preach despite of the opposition ensured the continuity of Christianity.

Are we going to continue what the apostles and our foreparents in faith started, cost what it may?

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil Gico Jalando-on
Assistant Chaplain