The One from Heaven

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Second Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 5:27-33; Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20; John 3:31-36

Summary

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.
(Jn 3:31-36)

Reflection

The One who comes from above speaks with authority; and so the apostles, hearing that voice, can say without hesitation: we must obey God rather than men. By three movements the Psalmist teaches us how to obey God: to bless, to confront evil, and to remain close to the brokenhearted.

BLESS

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.

CONFRONT EVILDOORS

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.

BE CLOSE TO THE BROKEN

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.

Personal Reflection

Sacred Scripture is strikingly precise here: the dividing line is not ignorance, but refusal—disobeying the Son.

Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate; then it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will have pity on the remnant of Joseph (Amos 5:15).

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041626.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry