The meaning of the Good News - for the poor, the prisoner and the hungry: (June 2006)

The Easter story with its joyful alleluias proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus can fill us all with a sense of hope.

The apostles, after the resurrection and their encounters with the risen Christ, emboldened by the Holy Spirit proclaimed good news.

We have to measure the goodness of that news against Christ's own proclamation of good news for the poor, the prisoner, the hungry, the lame and the blind.

The Acts of the Apostles describes the early Christian community as one which was faithful to prayers, the 'breaking of the bread' and the economic welfare of the community, especially the poor.

The first identifiable group set up by the Apostles were the seven deacons who were specifically charged with the distribution of goods.

Fr Perry Gildea - Vincentian Fathers

Cliftonville Road, Belfast 15

Tourists and pilgrims to Rome always try to visit the Sistine chapel. Not, because that is where the cardinals meet to elect the Pope, but to view the wonderful ceiling and the last judgment on the wall behind the altar. These masterpieces are truly awe-inspiring and a tribute to the faith and genius of Michelangelo.

Chapel of Nicholas V in Rome

But in the Vatican museum there is another small and very beautiful chapel that few ever know to visit. It is the chapel of Nicholas V, near the Raphael rooms and the Borgia apartments.

The chapel of Nicholas V has a series of painting by Saint Fra Angelico. These depict the story and martyrdom of St Laurence. Laurence was a deacon of the early Roman Church. His responsibility was looking after the welfare of the poor. Fra Angelico's paintings depict how when the Roman authorities came on a police type search they demanded that Laurence show them the treasurers of the Church.

He opened the door at the rear of the building and pointed to the poor who were gathered to receive food. "These are the treasures of the Church", he said as he pointed to those awaiting food.

Laurence was famously roasted to death for his faith and his commitment to the poor. His life and service of those in need was good news.

As we reflect on the hope which Easter offers the human family we have to ask ourselves, what is there in our lives which make the Christian ideal a source of truly good news to those who have so little of the earth's goods?

Fr Perry (June 2006)

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