- The Apostles are Persecuted -
"So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of (God's) name."
It's been a while since Jesus' passing, and his movement is going on strong. The disciples, defiant of the Sanhedrin's orders, continue to teach Jesus' ways and the carry on spreading th
e Good News of his Kingdom in Heaven.The same men who fled, leaving Jesus alone, are the ones who today break the law in order to share Jesus' teachings. Despite their previous fear and despite the dangers of publicly speaking about Jesus, they continue their mission of spreading the word.
Do they feel fear? I imagine they do. After all they have witnessed, and in light of the way how Jesus was treated - such a bloody and painful form of dying-, who wouldn't feel afraid? And yet they continue, because by now they are certain of their role in this journey of Christianity. In a very clear manner, they now capable of understanding Jesus' invitation to follow him. And not even fear of death can deter them from the road that lays ahead.
The disciples were true warriors. Though they did not carry heavy armor or military shields, they wore the protection and inspiration that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
May we feel the same strength, and may the power of the Holy Trinity fill our hearts to its brim, so we to can become defenders of the Kingdom of God
**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********
2nd Reading: from the Book of Revelations, 5: 11-14
-The Scroll and the Lamb-
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain..."
John relates about a vision on which choirs of angels, creatures from Heaven and Earth, the Elders, and all other living things gather together to sing and to praise
the Lamb of God. At this moment Jesus has reached his place in Heaven and there is not one lip left quiet; all voices combined harmonize, recognizing this divine moment and giving it its rightful glory.Can we imagine having such powerful dream? A dream on which one gets to hear voices over voices, angelical songs backed up by the sound of harps played by seraphic hands. I close my eyes and step into this moment, and my skin feels the energy emanating from all these beings whose only purpose is to praise our Savior Jesus Christ. In my heart the emotion is such, that I want to get rid of my earthly body and become one of them, so I can also be an integral part of such spectacular gathering.
May we feel compelled to do good, small acts of mercy, while living on Earth, just so when our time to leave this Earth arrives, we too can be one of the angels singing and praising the Lord.
**********G*O*D*****I*S*****L*O*V*E**********
The Gospel according to John, 21: 1-19
-Jesus appears to Seven Disciples- & -Jesus and Peter-
"Follow me!", says Jesus to Simon Peter.
After a fishing night that proves unsuccessful, dawn arrives and it is time for the disciples to return to shore. As they approach the beach they see a man who tells them where to cast their nets and find fish. At first they do not recognize him, but shortly they realize that the man standing in front of them is Jesus. With a loot of 153 fish, they gather around a fire that Jesus himself has prepared for them. Jesus, the eternal caregiver...
It is then when Jesus asks Peter, three times, if Peter loves him.
We must remember that, not too long ago, Peter has denied knowing Jesus. So it is not too difficult to find a connection between Peter's three denials and the three opportunities that a loving Jesus has given him, to find redemption from his prior negations.
Jesus predicts Peter's demise and his upcoming death. In a caring way, Jesus' words reassure Peter that he will not be alone; Peter understands that his end will not be an easy one, but he is also comforted by Jesus' companion through the ordeal to come.
Jesus' final words to Peter are an invitation: "Follow me!" he says, and I ask myself "why now?"; this statement should have been said long ago, before the dreaded Way of the Cross, before Jesus' terrible end, and yet, it is now when Jesus invites Peter... I guess that it does not matter how many times we fail him, Jesus is always ready to give us a second chance, and a third, and a fourth, and many more chances... Maybe this is the reason why Peter's invitation is offered AFTER Peter has denied Jesus, and not before... Because Jesus' love for us is eternal.
Peter got his second chance and he listened to Jesus' call; may we too be able to open our ears and our hearts to God's call, and may we be able to follow him.
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