Obedience to God comes before obedience to men

Obedience to God comes before obedience to men

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Acts 5:27-33, Jn 3:31-36. In today's Gospel, Jesus makes the revelation about Himself as the one who "comes from above". Since He comes from God, He gives Him the spirit without reserve. Believing in Him is the sure and the only way to eternal life. Peter's declaration in the first reading that "Obedience to God comes before obedience to men," is the consequence of his understanding of who Jesus is. Peter was convinced that Jesus is from above because He lived by higher aspirations of saving human race; had greater values of love, compassion, justice and equality; had larger perspective considering everyone as a child of God and His plan for salvation includes all sections of people.

However, the officials of the Sanhedrin belonged to the 'earth' and limited themselves to the satisfaction of their immediate desires and wants. Whoever believes in the Son belong to the "above" because there is an inseparable connection between faith and works. Faith in Jesus overcomes every obstacle and every inherent limitations; it helps us to remain calm under provocation and to stay courageous amidst difficulties, it prompts us to go ahead even during the time of total loss of hope. If we pursue things from above, we shall be great as our higher aspirations, greater values and larger perspective but if we belong to the 'earth,' we shall be as small as our worldly desires.

At the start of the day, may the Lord give us new heart in our struggle to improve the quality of our life and fill our hearts with His love! Amen!! Good morning and have a gracious day!!!

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