Friday, February 5, 2021

Today’s reflection is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists.”  —Acts 12:7

When I think of the apostles, especially Peter and Paul, who were willing to risk imprisonment to spread the gospel, I can’t help but feel a little bit ashamed. I don’t have anyone threatening to throw me in prison for telling people about Christ, and yet I find I can sometimes be hesitant to do so if I sense that the person I am talking to might react badly. I have no problem talking about Christ with other Christians, but what about strangers? Or even non-believing friends and acquaintances? I sometimes find myself falling back to “well, they will know I am a Christian by my actions” when I could be sharing about Jesus.

But if I really want the light of Christ to shine through to all people, I need God to help me break out this self-made prison I have created. This place where I have locked up God’s message inside of me, hiding it from others. I need God to tap me on my side and wake me up. I need God to use me as a mirror so that when he shines his light on me, I can reflect it back on others. 

So, dear God, break me out of my self-made prison and make me courageous and fearless to spread your word. Shine your light upon me, release me from my chains, and set me on your path. For surely your message of salvation, love, and grace are worth sharing! Amen.