Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-74) - Obey God rather than men

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's First Reading, Saint Peter and the Apostles said: "We must obey God rather than men." What a bold statement to make in the face of persecution! How courageous they are in the face of death! How faithful they are to the Truth of Jesus Christ and him crucified!

In our own time and society, we too can be bold, courageous, and faithful when we stand firm on the foundation of our Catholic faith that has been passed on to us through the Church by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It can be a challenge but our faith in Christ calls us to die to ourselves each day for the glory of God. In this way, we complete what is lacking in the suffering of Christ (Colossians 1:24) in our own suffering and the cross that we bear.

However, we do not have to do this by ourselves. We can (and should) always turn to God for strengthen, just as Saint John wrote in today’s Gospel: "He does not ration his gift of the Spirit." When we come to Him with humble and contrite hearts, He gives us abundantly and holds nothing back. Therefore, let us ask for the gift of fortitude to bold, courageous, and  faithful witnesses of the Risen Christ in our own time and society, just as Peter and the Apostles did in the early days of the Catholic Church. 

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Acts 5:27-33 and Jn 3:31-36 (see below).

. . .

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.