A Blueprint for Courageous Faith

Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
From Flesh To Spirit
Reflection Date: April 28, 2025 Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8

After being released, Peter and John go straight to their community and report everything. Rather than panicking, the believers respond with boldness and unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty. They begin to pray with one mind and one heart — not for the safety of the disciples, but for boldness to proclaim God’s word. All of them experience the very presence of the Risen Jesus and develop a deeper, broader vision of God.

God’s answer to their prayer is immediate and dramatic. The meeting place shakes, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This manifestation of God’s presence symbolizes His approval of the praying community. It challenges us to anchor our lives in God’s sovereignty, Scripture, and Spirit-filled boldness. As Martin Luther King Jr. says, “A deep knowing of God fuels courageous actions, even in the face of death.” Let our prayers, too, be for greater boldness to proclaim Jesus, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader of the Jews, approaches Jesus under the cover of night. This may symbolically represent his spiritual darkness or his initial lack of understanding. Yet, his curiosity reflects a sincere search for truth. It challenges us to seek Jesus earnestly, even when personal doubts or societal pressures make it difficult to move forward.

Being born again requires a radical transformation. It is the work of the Spirit — something that cannot be controlled or fully understood. Let us then seek Jesus with honest questions, even amid uncertainty. It is a call to move from shadowed curiosity to illuminated faith, embracing the life-giving works of the Spirit.

 

Call to Action for Catholic Living:

• Prioritize courage over comfort. Share your faith that leads to justice with all, despite pushback.
• Learn to discern God’s activity in everyday life — and start acting on it.