Saturday in the Octave of Easter
The name of Jesus has power. By the name of Jesus, Peter healed the crippled man, and the name of Jesus gives them the courage to stand up in opposition to the leaders who wanted to silence them. In like manner, the name of Jesus can also empower us. The name of our LORD serves as protection from evil, for evil cannot stand in his presence. Jesus is always present to us, but to call on the name of Jesus is to seek his intercession for our need. Invoking his name will drive out temptations and fear, granting us the courage to stand firm in our faith.
The leaders who put Jesus to death understood the danger of allowing his name to be spoken publicly. They feared that if word of the Resurrection were to spread, and others were to encounter the Risen Christ, the people would likely rise up against their leaders and cast them down for putting him to death. As it is, they did not have the power to silence Jesus’ disciples from speaking about him. Even when they were executed, they gave witness to their faith by the shedding of their blood. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church, which means that giving one’s life for the sake of Jesus inspires more people to believe in his divinity and Resurrection. The attempts of Jesus’ enemies to silence the faithful work against them.
Peter, John, and the other disciples continued to proclaim the Risen Jesus as LORD and Messiah, and the name of Jesus spread throughout the whole world. By the name of Jesus and the Holy Trinity, we have received adoption through our Baptism and entered into the life of God. May all that we do in our lives proclaim Jesus Christ to those we encounter!
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections