April 15, 2021 Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter-B
Acts of the Apostles 5:27-33
Psalm 34
John 3:31-36
“We must obey God rather than men.” Acts. 5:29
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. John 3:34
Lord, the Apostles were on fire to preach about you and your resurrection from the dead. The people were hearing the Good News and changing their hearts. The leaders of the Jews did not have a change of heart. They were envious and saw in this small band of your followers a danger to their authority. This caused them to demand the Apostles stop doing what you commanded them to do: preach the Good News to all mankind. The Apostles had received the gift of the Holy Spirit and this gift strengthened them and motivated them to be your witnesses in very hostile circumstances. Lord, we your followers, find ourselves today being challenged by the culture to not obey your word. We are to put a priority on obeying God rather than the ways of man. The psalm today encourages us to “…bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.” (Ps. 34:9) I can be tempted to take the easy way out and follow the ways of the world, but that’s not your will. Help me, dear Jesus, to always choose your path and to be a witness to your love every day. Amen.