During Eastertide, we read the Acts of the Apostles at weekday Masses. The title of the book might be misleading. The book is, in fact, about the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles describes how the Holy Spirit works through the apostles and disciples of Christ. If it were the biographic stories of the apostles, we would be left dissatisfied. Because the author, St Luke, does not tell us where all the apostles went to preach or how the apostles were martyred. He does not even tell us about the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul. Instead, he reveals to us how the Holy Spirit gives power to the apostles to become like their Master and to nourish and expand Christ’s church. You may call the four gospels are the books of Jesus. Then, the Acts is the book of the Holy Spirit.

In today’s gospel, the apostles pray for boldness or conviction, with which they may act in the name of Jesus. Before Pentecost, they used to hide for fear of the Jews. When they received the Holy Spirit, they finally went out and started testifying Jesus and caused many signs. At home or work, many Christians find it challenging to testify their faith before others. We do not feel it just challenging but risky, dangerous, or even threatening our relationships and jobs. Are there ways to workaround? Are there any shrewd ways to bring the Good News but not risk any of our security? Maybe. If any, it will not be the way of the Holy Spirit, though. Jesus and his apostles risked all to preach the gospel. It was possible only with the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to pray to the Holy Spirit if we wish to witness our faith. It should be a prayer of self-abandonment to the Holy Spirit. Only then, we shall speak with boldness and conviction.