Believe and Obey

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041615.cfm) reminds me that from believing comes obedience

In the gospel, we see Jesus saying how to have eternal life - we should believe in the son. On the other hand, those who will not see life are those who disobeys the son. Disobedience comes from not believing, and from believing comes obedience.

Believing and obedience come hand in hand.

The first reading shows us people who lived the words of Jesus. Despite threat from worldly leaders, the apostles did God's work. They did not only believe in Jesus, but also obeyed his command of preaching the gospel, especially despite the threat on their lives.

Believing is not enough.

The apostles needed not only to believe, but to also obey God and act. Their submission to the one they believe in allowed God to use them mightily to do his work and proclaim his kingdom. Same goes for us.

There are times we pray for a lot of things. There are times we feel overwhelmed by problems. Yes, we pray and believe in God, in his love and great plans for us. But God wants us to do more. God wants us to surrender to him and obey - whatever he is asking us to do, regardless if it makes sense or not. Surrender and obedience are the indicators of real belief in God. And only when we obey and submit will we be able to experience the fullness of God's love and plans - which are most probably the answer to our prayers.

May we learn not just to believe in God, but also to obey Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love and goodness. Thank you for your message. Lord, sorry for the times I stop at believing in you. Sorry for the times I do not obey you. Sorry for the times i do not submit to you. Help me live my belief in you. May i learn to slowly believe and obey you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 16, 2015

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Lectionary: 270

Reading 1 Acts 5:27-33

When the court officers had brought the Apostles in

and made them stand before the Sanhedrin,

the high priest questioned them,

“We gave you strict orders did we not,

to stop teaching in that name.

Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching

and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

But Peter and the Apostles said in reply,

“We must obey God rather than men.

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus,

though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.

God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior

to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.

We are witnesses of these things,

as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

When they heard this,

they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or:

R. Alleluia.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall be ever in my mouth.

Taste and see how good the LORD is;

blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or:

R. Alleluia.

The LORD confronts the evildoers,

to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.

When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,

and from all their distress he rescues them.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or:

R. Alleluia.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.

Many are the troubles of the just man,

but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 20:29

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;

blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all.

The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.

But the one who comes from heaven is above all.

He testifies to what he has seen and heard,

but no one accepts his testimony.

Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.

He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.

The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,

but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,

but the wrath of God remains upon him