This Easter season we are all of us, in a certain sense, "new Christians". Refreshed, renewed by celebrating Lent and Easter, we rejoice together with those who've just joined the Body of Christ in their recent baptism. In the springtime of the year, our enthusiasm, our hope and sensitivities are enlivened by the action of the Holy Spirit in us. But our faith and the practice of it are not always acceptable to people around us. In many places and many ways Christians encounter opposition, suspicion or even hatred from their own families, from neighbours, from society.

Peter's letter is a challenge for us to be always ready, humbly and gently to explain "the reason for our hope" for anyone who asks. Why are we sometimes so slow and reluctant to "explain" our faith, our reasons for believing, hoping and loving? Are we afraid, ashamed, so unsure? But it's not the wisdom or expertise of our own words that will influence people or win their respect or admiration. It's the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the evidence of blameless living, loving and caring for others. To be criticized or blamed or persecuted for doing good is what happened to Jesus Himself, for our sakes'. He has not left us orphans, but sent His Spirit to be the life of our lives. Let's take confidence and strength from Peter's words today, and live joyfully, trusting only in the Risen Lord.