THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Acts 5:27-33

Ps 34

John 3:31-36

He who is from above…

Dear friends in Christ, Baptism opens to us the way of salvation. Yet it does not take away our freedom to choose what we want to be and where we want to spend our eternity. Our faith and Baptism invite us to make a clear choice for the life of those from above even as we live in the limitations of the flesh. But many people do not think as we do and if care is not taken, it becomes easy to follow the saying, “If you cannot beat them, join them.”

In the Gospel of today (John 3:31-36) Jesus continues his discussion with Nicodemus saying to him, “He who is from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and of the earth, he speaks…” Jesus’ testimony is to be believed as the one who has come from heaven because speaks of what he has seen and heard. Often those who are of the earth pretend to follow the way of life, but when you look at their values and the fruits they bear, it becomes clear that their religiosity is only for show. Those who are true followers of Jesus are required to bear the right fruits, fruits that will endure. That is evident in the Apostles who became the witnesses to the life of Jesus. “The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything into his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” The choice is yours.

Our first reading today (Acts 5:27-33) tells us of the Apostles appearing before the Sanhedrin with the high priest saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” At the trial of Jesus, they had taken responsibility for the crucifixion and asked that his blood is upon them and their children. Why the fear now? But the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men…. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Those who are of the earth run away in the day of trouble. Some are followers of Christ in as much as it brings some profit or gain. They will rather cling to the resurrected and glorified Jesus, but not to the one who suffered. Yet without the cross, there’s no crown. The apostles were ready and willing to lay down their lives in defense of the truth knowing there is a place ready for the above. You too must take your place among them.

Let us pray: Lord, guide us in the way of your truth. Help us with the grace of the Holy Spirit that you have given us to remain committed to our faith. Amen. 

+Remain blessed