The WORD today reminds me that I should obey God alone, and not be intimidated by worldly powers of men.
Power is intimidating. There are a lot of people who love to use their worldly power to get their way. There a lot of disrespectful and arrogant people with worldly power. Helpless people are forced to obey them because of their power. A lot of times, powerful people get their way, even on illegal or immoral things. However, today we see that we should not be intimidated by worldly power.
We should obey God, not men, however powerful they are in this world.
In the first reading, we see powerful people intimidating the apostles. They were in the presence of powerful people. They were in the territory of powerful people. We could just imagine what the disciples must have felt. Trapped. Powerless. However, they did not let themselves get intimidated. They were faithful to what God wanted them to do. They followed God, not men. Probably the reason for this is the gospel. Jesus told them before that the one from heaven is above all. They knew who Jesus was. And they knew he is above all. And even though they were in the presence of powerful men, they remained faithful to Jesus.
In our lives, we might be put in situations we feel powerless. Powerful people may gang up on us. Situations may force us in one corner. We might be forced into doing something we should not. We may be forced to compromise our values. But we should take courage. God sees everything. And God is above all. He has power over everyone, so we should just continue to trust him and have faith like the apostles who knew God will protect them and will make a way when there seems to be no way. We should just continue to be faithful to God and live according to his commandments.
Are there times I fee that powerful people in this world are unstoppable? Are there times I feel I am forced by powerful people to act in a way that compromises my values? How do I react? Do I remain faithful to God? Do I feel that this crisis is more powerful than God? Or do I know God’s love and power? What is he reminding me today?
May we have faith in God's protection and resolve to always obey God, not men.
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, sorry for the times I let myself be intimidated by powerful people. Sorry for the times I forget you. Sorry for being weak and scared. Help me live like the apostles. Help me have faith in you. Your word. Your power. Your promise. Help me be bold and faithful in obeying you, not men. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
April 15, 2021
2nd Week of Easter - Thursday; Blessed Anna Schäffer
FIRST READING
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
R. 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
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
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.
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