Wednesday, April 26, 2006
April 27, 2006
April 27, 2006
Thursday 2nd week of Easter - Yr II
ACTS 5:27-33
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.
JOHN 3:31-36
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.
REFLECTION
It is difficult to accept that the Peter we know in the Gospels is the
same Peter in today's first reading who now defies the same people who
had condemned Jesus to death. In comparing the Peter before Pentecost
with the Peter after the descent of the Holy Spirit, we realize what
the Holy Spirit has done and what the Holy Spirit wants to do in us and
with us. For we have received the same Holy Spirit in baptism and
confirmation.
Peter has become a man of courage. To defy the strict orders of the
Sanhedrin was an act of dangerous audacity. We are often threatened to
keep quiet about our faith. This threat might not come from civil
authorities but from our friends, colleagues, and neighbors. We are
afraid not to conform with the majority. Do we allow the Holy Spirit to
make us people of courage like Peter?
Peter had become a man of principle. He no longer asked whether an
action was safe or not. His basic questions were now: Is this the will
of God? If I do this, do I obey God? Is this what God wants me to say
and do?
What are our principles? Do we want to please others rather than God?
Do we accept from the Church only what we find acceptable because it
does not interfere with our position in society and disregard what
threatens our position in society? Or are we ready like Peter to say
boldly what society does not like to hear?
Peter had a clear idea of what he was supposed to be - a witness for
Christ. God gave us his Spirit of courage, strength and truth for the
same purpose - to be reliable and courageous witnesses for Christ. We
have received a Spirit, not of cowardice, but of strength to make
Christ visible in today's world. We are invited to free ourselves from
bondage that hinder us from being courageous, principled witnesses for
Christ. We are invited to demolish in us whatever hinders God's Spirit
to transform us into people like Peter and his fellow apostles.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
- for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
- for the speedy recovery of Untoy.
- may the Holy Spirit guide David on his discernment.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- 25th Wedding Anniversary: Judy & Eduardo Tintoc
- Birthday: Rosalinda Lu
- In Memoriam (+): Jovito Yu (1949 - 2003)
- In Memoriam (+): Urbano de la Pena (1930 - 1976)
- for world peace and reconciliation.
Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our
prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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� 2006 Daily-Homily
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