jailbreak
"Look, there! Those men you put in jail are standing over there in the temple, teaching the people." —Acts 5:25
Many Christians don't seem to be able to get into the Spirit of the Easter season because they stay trapped in compulsive behavior. They feel as if they're in jail or in a tomb. Under these circumstances, how can they celebrate Christ's resurrection?
The risen Jesus will roll away the stones of alcoholism, drug addiction, self-hatred, overeating, smoking, masturbation, compulsive shopping, gossiping, and TV-watching. But when Jesus frees us from our prisons, He will command us: "Go out now and take your place in the temple precincts and preach to the people all about this new life" (Acts 5:20). Jesus frees us not only from slavery but also for evangelization. He calls us to be living proof of the new life His resurrection has made possible.
When other prisoners see that Jesus has freed us, at first some of them will try to get us to go back to prison. Later, however, they will believe in the risen Christ and let Him also free them. Then many more people will be living proofs of the resurrection, more and more people will be freed and will proclaim the freedom of the risen Christ, and the world will believe. Jesus promised: "I — once I am lifted up from earth — will draw all men to Myself" (Jn 12:32).
Prayer: Jesus, may I tell thousands what You've done for me.
Promise: "Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life." —Jn 3:16
Praise: Pope St. Pius V brought the light of Christ in a dark place where the Church needed reformation.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Evangelism and Worship on audio AV 49-1 or video V-49.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, October 17, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2002