Second Week of Easter
20th April 2023 (Thursday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Acts 5:27-33
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R/. The Lowly one called, and the Lord heard him Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : John 3:31-36
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Obey God rather than men!
Indicative: The Apostles continue to work for the Lord. They proclaim about him. They ceaselessly remind the Jews that Jesus is the Saviour and author of new life. They also hold the unbelieving Jews and Jewish authorities accountable for the death of Jesus{alertSuccess}
1. “We must obey God rather than men”. What a sublime principle! Today if only men follow this norm of life, how different and changed life will be! How does this difference come? It is because “God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him”.
2. When there is Holy Spirit, there is enlightenment and empowerment. This will equip one with clarity and solidity. The light of the Spirit makes things clear so that we can distinguish and discern between priorities and make the right choices.
3. In the light of the gospel, it is to believe unshakably in Jesus that he is totally one and united with the Father; that he is loved by the Father; that everything is given to him; he comes from above and is above all; he is sent by God and speaks the words of God.
4. And his testimony is trustworthy even though not accepted by all. And to all those who believe in him, he gifts his Holy Spirit. This is seen in the case of the Apostles. They were filled with the light and power of the Spirit.
5. The Holy Spirit also strengthens us so that we become firm and convinced, courageous and persevering, loyal and committed. And the greatest act and effect of the Holy Spirit is “bearing witness to the Lord”. Thereby they become heavenly and above and they bear testimony to the things above.
Imperative: If we really belong to God, then we must rise above the things, earthly and below, and live in the realm above{alertSuccess}