Faith in Jesus is a transformative power, acting as a direct channel

to receive God's grace, salvation, and strength.

True faith is not passive but is expressed through action, obedience to commandments,

and a willingness to do good works. Leading to eternal life and forgiveness.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 5:27-33

So they

Brought them in and made them stand before the Council;

and the High Priest questioned them, "We gave you strict orders

not to preach such a Savior; but you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching;

and you intend charging us with the killing of this man."

To this, Peter and the apostles replied, "

Better for us to obey God, rather than any human authority!

 

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, whom you killed

by hanging him on a wooden post. God set him at his right hand,

as Leader and Savior, to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.

We are witnesses to all these things, as well as the Holy Spirit,

whom God has given to those who obey him."

When the Council heard this, they became very angry and wanted to kill them.

 

Ps 34:2 & 9, 17-18, 19-20

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

John 3:31-362

He who comes from above is above all;

he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth,

and his words belong to the earth. He who comes from

heaven speaks of the things he has seen and heard;

he bears witness to these things, but no one accepts his testimony.

Whoever does receive his testimony acknowledges the truthfulness of God.

 

The one sent by God speaks God's words, and gives the Spirit unstintingly.

The Father loves the Son and has entrusted everything into his hands.

Whoever believes in the Son lives with eternal life;

but he who will not believe in the Son will never know life,

and always faces the Justice of God."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

The power of faith in Jesus.

Our gospel emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus, who comes from above and speaks the words of God.

Unlike earthly testimonies, His message possesses divine authority and truth,

offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. This passage reminds us of the power of faith

in Jesus as the Son of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation and everlasting life to all.

It is a call to respond with faith and obedience, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God.

 

However, challenges abound for us, modern Christians, living out this truth.

The rise of individualism and relativism often clashes with the absolute claims of Christ's divine authority.

Society's focus on self-made success and autonomy can obscure the need for reliance on God.

Amid these struggles, we Christians are called to anchor ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and community,

boldly proclaiming the unique truth of Christ. By embodying His love, we,

as followers of the Redeemer, can reflect His light in this ever-changing world. Amen.