Belief in the Son places us in the ideal of above

Acts 5:27-33, Jn 3:31-36. One of the signs that the Holy Spirit is at work in us is having the virtue of fortitude. Only the presence of the Holy Spirit can explain the boldness of the disciples before the Temple officials in today's first reading. The seeming righteous fury of the officials was baseless as their consciences continue to be their judge for being guilty of the death of Jesus. The courage of the Apostles offers us an instance of radically following Jesus: “We testify and so does the Holy Spirit,” said Peter. It suggests that we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit through personal prayer before we can bear witness to Christ. In conflict situations we can also check out our ideal with an honest mentor. It is good to have someone who will tell us the truth and help us distinguish between courage and mere obstinacy.

Today's Gospel, like the first reading, is the story of a witness to Jesus; this time John the Baptist bears witness to the risen Christ. He testifies that the witness of Jesus is trustworthy because He has truly come from 'above' and He is speaking of what He has seen there. As one from 'above', Jesus is filled with the higher aspirations of saving the human race; greater values of love, compassion, justice and equality. He is with larger perspectives; adopting all who believe in Him to be the child of God and His plan of salvation includes everyone. Belief in the Son, places us in the ideal of 'above' because there is an inseparable connection between faith and works. The more His ideal grows in us, the more we fulfil our potential and become all that God wants us to be. Faith in Jesus overcomes every obstacle and every inherent limitations; it helps us to remain calm under provocation and stay courageous amidst difficulties and it prompts us to go ahead even during the time of total loss of hope.

May the Lord heal our world from the coronavirus pandemic and look with pity on the sick and display in them His glory! Amen!! Be safe and have a panic free day!!!