Friday 17th of April
“They were glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.“
Acts 5:34-42
Sometimes we hear critics of the Church pointing out its many faults. They emphasise its current problems and its historical failings, such as corruption and the harm and violence that it has done in the past. The Church is healthy, and it acknowledges that it is made up of sinful human beings who need to repent and to change.
But we can also ask, as the Pharisee Gamaliel did, is the Church of human origin or is it from God? The Church is called the boat of St Peter because it has survived 2,000 years of storms and troubles. It has not broken up of its own accord because it is not only based on fallible humans. Jesus, please give us the the faith to believe that the Church is based on you and that we are part of your Body. May we always respectfully proclaim your Good News, even when we face opposition. Help us to be glad when we have the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of your name.