Easter Saturday
Acts 4:13-21 | Psalm 117(118):1,14-21 | Mark 16:9-15
It is obvious to everybody in Jerusalem that a miracle has been worked through them in public, and we cannot deny it. But to stop the whole thing spreading any further among the people, let us caution them never to speak to anyone in this name again. (Acts 4:16-17)
Two days ago, I was riding the train to my client’s office, quietly praying the Divine Mercy chaplet, when I heard some words I’d never expected to encounter on public transport.
Church. Resurrection. Jesus.
The speaker was a young Filipino, going by his accent, chatting with a group of like-minded folks just a few meters away. He certainly sounded enthusiastic, if a tad loud.
I smiled briefly, and continued my prayer.
At the next stop, a burly Malay man boarded, and stood between me and the group. As the Christian group chatted on, I noticed him turning several times to stare at them.
His face was a thundercloud, and for a moment, I feared that there would be a public incident.
Then the train doors opened once more and he exited, still looking like he wanted to chew someone’s head off.
I briefly wondered if I would’ve been the target of his ire, had I finished the chaplet sooner…and made the sign of the cross right in front of him.
✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞
We take religious tolerance for granted in Singapore, often forgetting that it’s individual people who would ultimately practice that tolerance, or not.
Yet we are commanded by Jesus to, like Peter and the disciples, “go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
How do we proselytise without causing a ruckus?
I don’t have a perfect answer, but I try to let my deeds do the talking. Helping people with little things, like giving up my seat to an elderly person, or helping them with heavy trolleys, or just clearing my own lunch table rather than attracting the beleaguered cleaner’s attention with imperious gestures and impatient words.
I generally wear polo T-shirts, and normally don’t button the V-neck due to the local climate. Ever so often, as I bend over to do my bit for others, my neck chain slips out, and my crucifix swings free for anyone to see.
It’s yet to attract any attention or start a conversation, but my focus is really on helping others. As and when that “so you believe in God then?” window opens, I’ll start chatting about Him. Otherwise, it’s a privilege to help lighten someone else’s load, and receive a smile in return.
Brothers and sisters, how do you share the Good News with others? I’d really like to learn from you.
Amen.