A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel,
a teacher of the law, respected by all the people,
stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time,
and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel,
be careful what you are about to do to these men.
Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important,
and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed,
and all those who were loyal to him
were disbanded and came to nothing.
After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census.
He also drew people after him,
but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered.
So now I tell you,
have nothing to do with these men, and let them go.
For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin,
it will destroy itself.
But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them;
you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
They were persuaded by him.

Acts 5: 34-39

Here are the complete readings for Friday, May 2, 2025.

(“Rabbi Gamaliel Teaching” British Library)

Have you ever known a person with whom you really disliked all of a sudden come to your aid or vouch for you when you needed support? This was the case of the Pharisee Gamaliel, who had both the wisdom and courage to appreciate the sincerity of the apostles, even if he disagreed with their message. This rabbi possessed the rare gift of humility to go along with his wisdom. He knew what he did not know, but what he did know with certainty was that God’s ways are not necessarily our ways. When we consider people we disagree with, can we be open to listening to who they are as humans even if we find their views repugnant and worthy of rebuke? Can we also practice enough discernment to know the difference between opposing someone on a just principle and doing so because we are attached to our outrage?

God is not obliged
to give an account to anybody,
even if God wants to use a sinner.
You were created by the God of love
in God’s image and according to God’s likeness,
to be a unique expression of that love.
It is through you
that God desires to manifest Love
to the peoples of the world in these times,
and to offer them the freedom
of the children of God.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, help us not to doubt you or your wisdom, especially when we hunger for easy answers to our questions and solutions for our problems. Help us to share our authentic selves as a gift to your people, trusting that you provide us all the nourishment we need.

Amen

(“Jesus Feeds 5000” by LittleDoveArtWork)