Bold

We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.

Acts.5:32

The apostles are on trial for continuing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus' resurrection despite being told not to. Their defense is not to recant but to state they are simply unable to stop proclaiming the truth they know.

The apostles are staring at the very real possibility that they will end up on a cross on Golgotha. This horrible prospect seems to have no affect on their boldness in proclaiming the Good News. It's as though they are compelled. From a fearful, pile of jelly they are transformed into a solid wall of rock. 

Something has transformed them. A hint as to what that something is can be found in Peter's phrase "the Holy Spirit whom God has given..." These are men who have just experienced their Pentecost, their baptism in the Spirit. 

Who can read these early chapters from the book of Acts and not have a desire to be like these first believers. There's something attractive about certainty and boldness. There's nothing stopping me from being likewise today... nothing. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill with boldness and zeal to proclaim the Good News of Jesus' resurrection today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.