Obedience to God comes before obedience to men. Yes there are indeed a few who have chosen to be obedient to their parents, spouse, inner circle of friends, employers, etc. by surrendering their religious freedom to them. Generally to keep the peace and the camaraderie among them. But more often than not, it is about obedience to one’s own will rather than God’s will. Will it surprise you to learn that many have decided to take a religious break so to speak? Using covid 19 as an excuse not to participate in online masses or have simply stopped contributing towards the maintenance and well being of the parishes they belong to? What about poor and the desolate in these times of extreme measures put in place to stop the spread. Does anyone think about them? What happens to them? Are they to die? And not at all due to the pandemic?We must choose to focus on our Risen Lord and be outward looking towards true discipleship in Him! Let us pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to awaken our hearts and minds to those in dire need of our help. So that we can put the love we have of Christ Jesus in our hearts into action for them. Let us bring glory to our almighty ever living God and Bless His Holy name through the way we live our lives in Him. Amen
First reading
Acts 5:27-33 ·
We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy SpiritWhen the officials had brought the apostles in to face the Sanhedrin, the high priest demanded an explanation. ‘We gave you a formal warning’ he said ‘not to preach in this name, and what have you done? You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and seem determined to fix the guilt of this man’s death on us.’ In reply Peter and the apostles said, ‘Obedience to God comes before obedience to men; it was the God of our ancestors who raised up Jesus, but it was you who had him executed by hanging on a tree. By his own right hand God has now raised him up to be leader and saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins through him to Israel. We are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’
This so infuriated them that they wanted to put them to death.
Gospel
John 3:31-36
The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to himJohn the Baptist said to his disciples:‘He who comes from above is above all others; he who is born of the earth is earthly himself and speaks in an earthly way.
He who comes from heaven bears witness to the things he has seen and heard, even if his testimony is not accepted; though all who do accept his testimony are attesting the truthfulness of God, since he whom God has sent speaks God’s own words:
God gives him the Spirit without reserve.
The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything to him.
Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: the anger of God stays on him.’
CatholicJules.net 