No Power

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/050515.cfm) reminds me that Satan has no power over Jesus.

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us who the ruler of the world is. He said that the ruler of the world is coming, but has no power over him. Definitely, he is referring to Satan. He is the ruler of the world. he may have power over the world, what happens on this world, but he has no power over Jesus. Jesus died not because satan caused him to, but because Jesus loved God the Father so much that he was willing to die to show that love and to save us from our sins.

A defeat in battle does not mean a defeat the in war.

Jesus may have suffered and died on earth, but he is definitely more powerful than Satan. Just because he allow himself to experience pain and humiliation, doesn’t mean he does not have the power over Satan. Probably, that’s what the enemy wants us to think – that he is scary and more powerful than a nice, helpless Jesus. However, we are reminded that this is not the case.

The ruler of this world has power on this world. That is why we see a lot of evil and wicked people triumph and enjoy worldly success and power, because that’s only what they will have – worldly. Their success, their fame, their power will stay in this world only. However, God’s power, love and success will go into eternity – where it is most important.

May we remember that if we experience challenges in this world, it may be because we are not of the world. let us just focus on Him who has power over the ruler of the world.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for giving up sometimes. Sorry for wanting and focusing on worldly accomplishments. Sorry for thinking that the enemy is more powerful than you, or that it may be better to be of this world to enjoy it. Lord, help me remain focused on you. help me to see you and want you despite all the temptations this world brings. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 5, 2015

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter

Lectionary: 286

Reading 1 Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium

arrived and won over the crowds.

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,

supposing that he was dead.

But when the disciples gathered around him,

he got up and entered the city.

On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city

and made a considerable number of disciples,

they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples

and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,

“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God.”

They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,

with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord

in whom they had put their faith.

Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.

After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.

From there they sailed to Antioch,

where they had been commended to the grace of God

for the work they had now accomplished.

And when they arrived, they called the Church together

and reported what God had done with them

and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R. (see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Making known to men your might

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or:

R. Alleluia.

May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,

and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Lk 24:46, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,

and so enter into his glory.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give it to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,

‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’

If you loved me,

you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;

for the Father is greater than I.

And now I have told you this before it happens,

so that when it happens you may believe.

I will no longer speak much with you,

for the ruler of the world is coming.

He has no power over me,

but the world must know that I love the Father

and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”