Jonathan Chiacchere Xavier High School Junior Religion 1300, Section # Monday, April 20, 2009

Acts of the Apostles 4: Opening Prayer In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Acts of the Apostles 4: 23-31

Why did I decide to share this series of images with the class today? –The reading speaks about “the kings of the earth” and “the princes” who opposed Jesus and posed a “threat” to the work of building the Kingdom of God –So, I decided to choose a series of images that depict “the kings of the earth” (wealth – Vegas, fame – LA, and power – NYC) who oppose Jesus and his work of building the Kingdom of God in the modern world

Acts of the Apostles 4: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant:

Acts of the Apostles 4: Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place.

Acts of the Apostles 4: And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Acts of the Apostles 4: 23-31

Silent Reflection How do I choose to act like a “king or prince of the universe” by opposing Jesus as the true “Lord of lords and King of kings”? When do I place wealth, fame, and power before a desire to build the Kingdom of God in the modern world?

Acts of the Apostles 4: Closing Prayer Prayer for Generosity of St. Ignatius of Loyola Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; To give, and not to count the cost; To fight, and not to heed the wounds; To toil, and not to seek for rest; To labor, and to ask for no reward Except that of knowing that I am doing your will.

Acts of the Apostles 4: 23-31