DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: We must obey God... 

The Word:  "...We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." (see Acts 5:27-33)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

(1030-1079). Stanislaus was the Bishop of Cracow, Poland. A champion of the liberty of the Church and of the dignity of man, he defended the lonely and the poor. When he reproached King Boleslaw II for his immoral life, the king himself killed him during Mass. He is the patron saint of Poland.

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 5:27-33

Resp. Psalm: Ps 34:2 and 9.17-18.19-20 (R. see 7a)

Verse before the Gospel: See John 20:29

Gospel: John 3:31-36

Inspiration: There is often great confussion whenever we are at the croosroad of faith. That is, when we are facing with situations that directly challenges our faith in God especially the decision of the civil authority,  or that of our employers which are not in tandem with our belief system. In the face of this upsurge, what do we do? The subtle answer to this mind-blowing question is found in today's first reading as the Apostles were summoned before the council for questioning on the ground of their faith in Christ. (cf. Acts 5:27-33)

As men of faith whose thoughts and treasures were in heaven as the gospel pericope highlighted (cf.John 3:31-36) they gave them a stunning answer that came with goose bumps on them saying: "...We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." (see Acts 5:27-33) This response actually generated confussion among them because the apostles spoke with authority.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, by the water of Baptism and the invocation of the Holy Spirit at confirmation we have been given the unction to bear authentic witness to the gospel values through our thoughts, words and actions. So far so good, whom do we obey? Is it our instinct or the detects and ordinances of God?

Let our lives be solely moderated by the gospel values with hope in life beyond the present life so that we may be able to draw a line between temporality and eternity. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, who for the salvation of the world brought about the paschal sacrifice, be favourable to the supplications of your people, so that Christ our High Priest, interceding on our behalf, may by his likeness to ourselves bring us reconciliation, and by his equality with you free us from our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen

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