Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the second week of Easter, April 13th, 2026

Delivered by Gladys from the Parish of Saint Gabriel in the Diocese of Bandung, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 4: 23-31; Rs psalm 2: 1-3.4-6.7-9; John 3: 1-8.THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO IS NOT BOUND The theme for our meditation today is: The Holy SpiritWho Is Not Bound. The Early Church was born in a situation that was not easy.Jesus' apostles and disciples faced pressure, threats, and even detention fromreligious leaders who tried to stop their movement. Humanly speaking, it couldmake them afraid and retreat. However, the Holy Spirit that had been breathedout by the risen Jesus worked in a way that no human force could shackle. Themore they were pressed, the more real was the work of the Holy Spirit that movedthem to continue proclaiming the joyful news of Christ's resurrection. When Peter and John were released from prison, theywere reunited with the other disciples. They did not propose any politicalstrategies or seek humanitarian protection. They prayed. It was not a prayerfilled with fear, but a prayer that asked for courage to remain faithful. Andas they prayed, the place swayed, and they were all filled with the HolySpirit. From that experience, they arose with new courage to proclaim the risenJesus. This event shows that the Holy Spirit cannot be confined, cannot be stopped,and cannot be limited by prison walls or human threats. This experience of the Early Church reminds us thatthe Holy Spirit is also at work in our lives today. We often feel afraid totestify our faith, afraid of facing challenges, or hesitating in living ourcalling to live life as followers of Christ. But Jesus had affirmed toNicodemus that a person must be born again in the Spirit. This new birth is away of life that is constantly being renewed every day. When we live in theSpirit, we are no longer overcome by fear, but rather by the hope and couragethat comes from the resurrection of Christ. There was a nurse in a hospital who might facedifficult situations: an angry patient, an anxious family, or exhaustion from aheavy task. She could feel tired and want to give up. But when she prayed andsurrendered her work to the Lord, she found a new strength to serve patientlyand lovingly. Without realizing it, her attitude became a testimony to others.Her presence brought calmness, and her service was a sign that the Holy Spiritwas working through her. The Holy Spirit is not shackled by fatigue ordifficult situations. The Holy Spirit works quietly but so real. He gives uscourage, hope when we are weak, and strength when we are on the verge of givingup. The Holy Spirit encourages us to walk in the light of Christ'sresurrection.  The Holy Spirit is notbound by time, place, or circumstance. He continues to work in the Church andin every person who believes in Christ. When we live in the Spirit, we witnessChrist's resurrection in the midst of the world.  Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord God, cleanse our hearts and mindsfrom all stains and darkness, that we may be worthy of the dwelling of the HolySpirit within each of us. Our Father who art in heaven... In the name of theFather ...