April 18, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15
There are K-Pop fans in almost every part of the world, and they are followed in a frenzy everywhere these groups go. Fans imitate their fashion sense and dance moves on social media, hoard their merchandise, and spend money to watch their shows.
In the first reading, the apostles started the work Jesus assigned them. Everywhere they went, communities followed them. And because they knew they were continuing Jesus’ work, the early Christians were ready to support them in their mission by providing them with their needs. The apostles did not wear fancy clothing or make dance moves, but they still found support because of what they had: the mission to spread the Gospel. The people who support them have found authenticity in their mission and know Christ is guiding them. Many people listened to them, accepted the Gospel, and became Christians because they only spoke truthfully.
In the gospel, Jesus told Nicodemus they had not believed their testimony about Him and His Father. Most of us say we will only think unless we see. Yet, we believe more in the earthly things—happiness in riches and power, superstitions and conspiracy theories, and obsession with celebrities—than in the truth that there is a God and Christ saved us all.
For those who continue to speak the truth about God despite the difficulties, may you always be blessed with patience and be guided by the Holy Spirit so that you will not tire of preaching what is true. Like with the disciples, authenticity is the key to enabling you to continue your mission and getting people to listen and follow God. May your authenticity lift the Son of Man “so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
For those who still choose not to believe, may they open their eyes and hearts and listen. May they know whom to listen to, how to scrutinize, and who is a false prophet. May they choose to listen to the truth, even if it is hard, even if it hurts, and even if it turns their world upside down.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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