The influence of Christ must increase in us

Acts 5:27-33, Jn 3:31-36. Today's first reading brings out Peter’s bold and emphatic statement before the Council: “Better for us to obey God rather than any human authority.” Obedience to God is the better option not just for Peter but for the whole world. Aligning with the world seems to provide immediate gratification for our peripheral needs and a fleeting sense of security whereas serving God seems to reduce us to a minority often afflicted with much suffering. Yet it takes much grace from above to swim against the worldly tide and choose to obey God rather than any human authority. Only those who align themselves with the One who comes from above and gives the Spirit without measure can do it consistently.

Sometimes, we see terror and violence with the claim of obedience to God, we may ask, what type of God should we obey? A god from below, made in our own image and likeness to whom we project our hatred, violence and shameful act or to the One and True God who comes from above, in whom there is no violence and whose name above every name is Mercy? In today's Gospel, John the Baptist acknowledges Jesus as the 'One who' comes from above. John knows the uniqueness of Jesus, and so, “he must increase, but I must decrease.” The influence of Christ in our life must increase, while the influence of the world must decrease in us. This diminishing of the influence of the world is the primary aim for John's preaching. As Christ increases in us, we do not cease to be ourselves. Rather, the more He lives in us, the more we become our true selves, our Christ-selves.

May the Lord bring out the influence of Christ in our life! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!