From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. (Acts 4:13-21)

ORDINARY PEOPLE: The scribes were amazed by the boldness of the teaching of Peter and John, as they were “ordinary men.”

I think it is important for us to remember that the Apostles of Jesus were indeed just ordinary men. They were not chosen because they were special or had unique talents. They were ordinary men who were willing to answer the call of Jesus Christ. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” they dropped their fishing nets and stepped away from their lucrative tax collecting jobs and followed Him.

We know the rest of the story. The Apostles doubted; they questioned; they denied; and they lacked faith. All the while, Jesus loved them and called them His own.

Jesus calls us, ordinary people, to follow Him as well. He understands that we are sinners, broken people who doubt and lack faith at times. This does not deter Jesus from loving us and calling us His own.

May we, and all ordinary people, have the courage to speak with the boldness of Peter and John. In so doing, we serve as witness to others who may be doubting their own ability to respond to the love of Jesus Christ.