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TODAY’S WORD…

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Gamaliel, addressing the Sanhedrin, said

“Leave these men alone and let them go.

If this enterprise – this movement of theirs –

is of human origin, it will break up of its own accord;

but if it does in fact come from God,

you will not only be unable to destroy them,

but you might find yourselves fighting against God.”

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– Acts 5:38-39 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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This is how Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law,

had defended Peter and the Apostles, when addressing the Sanhedrin.

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He was respected for his prudence and wisdom.

He was a religiously-minded man,

but also clearly wise and impartial.

The Fathers of the Church see him as an example of an upright man

who is awaiting the Kingdom of God and dares to defend the Apostles.

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Gamaliel’s intervention shows that a person with good will

can discern God’s action in events,

or at least investigate objectively without pre-judging the issue.

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Are we like Gamaliel,

when we find ourselves in the midst of others

who are arguing contrary to Christ’s message?

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Are we like Gamaliel,

or do we act or speak as if we agree with the arguments, so as not “lose face”

and risk being called narrow-minded, intolerant and judgemental?

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Are we like Gamaliel,

or we are like those who, when defending the Christian side of the argument,

often become impatient, dismissive, even offensive and positively “un-Christian”?

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How wonderful it would be if in such situations

we would take from Gamaliel’s example,

and simply be wise and respectfully succinct,

and demonstrate gentle and loving Christian conviction!

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Renew me, O Lord, and fill me with hope and joy,

and make me always firm and steadfast

in my faith and trust in You.

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