The Lord hears the cry of the poor. — Psalm 34:7

Mass readings: Acts 5:27-33 / John 3:31-36 

The Risks of Discipleship 

I associate April with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I’ll forever remember the spring morning I heard on TV that he had been shot. He was a crusader against injustice and his efforts sparked hatred of him. Many holy men and women have shown similar courage in spreading the faith and in embracing their Christian ideals. Living as a Christian can put you in harm’s way or at least sometimes alienate you from coworkers, friends and family. 

In today’s reading Peter and the apostles defy the authorities and insist they must “obey God rather than men.” They risked their freedom and their lives to preach the Good News. The stakes for us may never be as dramatic but we, too, must put God first in our daily lives. 

Prayer: God, give me the grace and courage to do the right thing even when that is difficult.