A Reading from the Acts 5:34-42
A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.
REFLECTION
"But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
As ads pop up encouraging us to seek fame, everlasting youth, our bodies/ our decisions, wealth and many worldly successes, we can be overwhelmed choosing God or the world.
Society is telling us it is okay to abort, cheat and make lots of money, do drugs, and now we can choose to be male, female or binary—just check off the choice. We are faced with the relativism of our culture: to follow the ways of this present world and their definition of normal.
Gamaliel said, “For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God you will not be able to destroy them, you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
So we trust in the Lord, find our voice but be certain that it is the Lord's battle.
God is calling us to a life of virtue and morals, set before us in The Ten Commandments and brought to life in the deepest meaning in the mystery of Christ.
But we are born of the Holy Spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit or the Divine Rhua so we can enter the passion of the Lord and die to self in order to rise with Jesus — a new birth that will never die nor be the imaginings of humans.
The Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us in a moral and virtuous life. He will give us the words needed in this culture.
May we possess all He gives us to be of one heart and mind for eternal life. Trust and be patient and let the Lord work. Do not get angry because anger leads us to evil and away from the One we seek. But we can find our voice and work for the Name of God.
Fight for the truth and God will be by our side.
“Commit your life to the Lord, and he will act on your behalf."
Alleluia.
(Proverbs 16:3)