The Acts of the Apostles

A summary of the Acts of the Apostles:
Barnabas bringing Saul to Antioch--they remained there for a year.Disciples are called Christians at Antioch.
Paul and Barnabas  go to Cyprus(from Antioch)
Paul's speech in Pisidian,Antioch(Acts 13)
Acts 16--Timothy(mother Jewess,Father Greek) becomes a follower of Paul.
17-Paul's speech to the Athenians at Areopagus
18-staying at Corinth for a year
19-Paul at Ephesus--after the baptism, laying his hand on the baptized---the Holy Spirit.
They spoke in tongues and prophesied.12 men
Ephesus in uproar because of the urging of a silversmith,Demetrius who lost his job---making idols for god Artemis.
20-Paul telling the elders of Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem...Holy Spirit warns that prison and hardships do face him in every city:"However, I consider myself worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-"--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace.
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.'
"Be shepherds of the Church of God which he bought with his own blood.It is more blessed to give than to receive."
21--Paul goes to Jerusalem.
22--Paul arrested.Speaking to the people with the permission of the Roman comander--gives the whole story of his life.
Before  governor,Felix.
27--276 people on the ship to Rome
28-2 yrs of Paul's stay and preaching in Rome.
Paul was executed at a spot on the Ostian Way outside Rome in A.D. 69.

Easter,2012.

What does Easter mean for each one of us? Does it have any deeper meaning  in our life? Or is it  over with the liturgical celebration of the event?Easter means that Jesus is alive in our midst. He is risen and he is alive.It makes us realize that we are not alone in the pathways of life. We have a companion, a protector,  a savior walking beside us.He has conquered the power of evil, of sin and death.He is the Lord of the universe.
However harsh the world may be  to us, whatever may be the nature of our sufferings in the world, whoever may be the person who has hurt us in our life, they do not have the last word in our life. We can overcome the impact of all those evil influences as long us we trust in the Lord, keep Him close to us and experience his presence in our life.
When the tomb is empty, when the expereinces of life are bitter, when we think there is no light at the end of the tunnel,  resurrection reminds us  that everything is not over and  that Jesus is  waiting to receive us in his arms.
We can have the same experience that Mary Magdalene had.Easter should make us say like her, I have seen the Lord. I am not afraid any more, I have confidence in my life. Nothing can take away peace from my heart.
Let this Easter be a new beginning in life, a life based on love and forgivenss. Those who come into contact with  our life may know that we believe in the Lord Jesus who is alive in our midst. Let every word or action of us send forthe the message that our Lord is alive to protect all of us.