The witness of St. Athanasius reminds us that fidelity to truth often comes with resistance. The early disciples faced rejection, contradiction, and hostility, yet they did not allow opposition to harden their hearts or silence their mission. Instead, they remained filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. This joy was rooted in their union with Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals that to know him is to know the Father. This is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a relationship that transforms how we live and act. To believe in him is to continue his works: becoming instruments through which God’s presence is made visible in the world. We are challenged, then, to examine our response to difficulty and rejection. Do we withdraw, grow bitter, and lose courage? Or do we trust that God is at work? Try to reach out to someone who may have distanced themselves from you or disagreed with you. Offer a word of peace, patience, or understanding. May our actions reflect God’s love.

PRAYER: Abba Father, fill us with joy and the Holy Spirit. Amen.