4th Sunday of Easter

Paul and Barnabas continue to preach the Good News. Acts says "the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord". Recently while in Greece, following the footsteps of St. Paul, I realized how large some of those cities were at that time. The Good News attracted a large hearing. The Jews, who were a minority, are the only ones upset by the message. Sad, since they were the first to receive the preaching of the Apostles. We see the Church grow in the face of adversity.
Do you receive the Good News with an open heart? Is it Good News to you? How do you deal with the obstacles to grace in your life?

John begins this second vision with "a great multitude, which no one could count. . ." These are they who have survived times of distress. The Church is blessed with these witnesses of courage and perserverance. Today there are about 1.1 billion Catholics in the world. While many do not practice their faith, many are courageous in living their faith to the fullest.
Have you prayed for the courage to witness to your faith? Why is a population of 1.1 billion not more influential in the world?