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, ion, sexual sins and fantasies, compulsive shopping, , gossiping, and TV-watching. 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 back to prison. But later 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). Repent! Let Jesus set you free.
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: Getting into the daily eucharistic Scripture readings helped David know the risen Christ.
Reference: (Prepare for a life-changing Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday by praying the Pentecost Novena. For supporting teaching, order our leaflet Pentecost Novena or on audio AV 103-1 or video V-103.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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