DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son:
everyone who believes in him has eternal life. JN 3:16
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son:
everyone who believes in him has eternal life. JN 3:16
What are we called to preach? The Good News. And what is the Good News? The Good News is this - God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. How do we preach in season and out of season? We preach by our conduct in public and in private. We preach by example and by witnessing to God's goodness, faithfulness, and love. We live fearlessly because we live by faith in God's love for us. We are not to fear what the enemies of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness can do to us for although they can kill our bodies they can do nothing more rather we are to fear God who can put both body and soul to death.
We read in Scripture that there is nothing new under the sun, what has happened before will happen again. The high priests, their cohorts, and the Sadducees were prompted by jealousy and fear when they put You to death and they now discover that You are even more powerful because of the witness of the Apostles and disciples who were witnesses to Your resurrection from the dead. The grave could not hold You and try as they will the spawns of Satan can do nothing about it.
They arrested and imprisoned the apostles placing them under heavy guard. But You sent angels to open locked doors and unloose shackled hands and feet so they could walk out of prison. No power on earth can stop the purposes of God. To this day Christians who boldly profess their faith and preach the Good News of salvation the world over are hated, feared, persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, starved, and even put to death but You assured us that the servant is not greater than the Master. If they did it to You they will do it to us too so we ought not to be surprised but ready.
The apostles were preaching to the people who listened raptly to them and the captain and his men who were sent to arrest them again and bring them before the Sanhedrin once more were afraid to use force because of the people. When we unite as one, Beloved, under the banner of Truth we too are invincible. May we not cower in fear but live our faith boldly regardless of the consequences for we know that we are only pilgrims and our true home is with You in the Kingdom of God.
PSALM 33(34):2-9 ©
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad.
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad.
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free.
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free.
Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called, the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress.
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called, the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress.
The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who revere him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
He is happy who seeks refuge in him.
around those who revere him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
He is happy who seeks refuge in him.
This poor man called and the Lord heard him.
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