First Reading ACTS 5:27-33
When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, "We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.
Responsorial Psalm PSALM 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. or R. Alleluia. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. R.
Gospel JOHN 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.
The following is, as usual, from The Word Among Us:
The one whom God sent speaks the words of God. (John 3:34)
Popular culture is the ultimate skeptical jury when it comes to matters of religion. Yet even skeptical juries can be swayed by expert testimony. Though jurors may initially view an expert's opinion with doubt, they are often won over by the realization that this person really knows his or her stuff.
As Christians, we are called to become expert witnesses for Jesus! God sends us into the world to offer evidence that will sway the "jury" of our fellow citizens, leading them to Jesus. How can we respond to this challenge? Memorize some scripture passages that reveal the heart of our faith, such as John 3:16 or Mark 10:45. Get to know the biblical teachings on key issues such as eternal life, the love of God, and the meaning of the cross. Most important, back up whatever you say by trying to live as a disciple every day. The adage is true: Actions really do speak louder than words.
As you build up friendships with people, you will find doors opening up for you to bear witness as well. You may find an opportunity to share a scripture passage that has meant a lot to you, or to tell a story about how you found comfort from the Lord in a difficult situation. It's always wise to prepare for such opportunities. For example, you might want to have an answer ready for some of the most common questions about your faith. Then, if someone asks you, "What do you believe about God?" you will be able to offer them a few clear statements about God's love for every person and about his decision to send his Son into the world to reconcile us to him and open the way to heaven.
Jesus was the supreme witness to God because he knows God intimately and has the Spirit without measure (John 3:31-32,34). Now he gives us his Spirit so that we too might be witnesses to God's love.
"Jesus, you promised that your Spirit would take from what was yours and make it known to us. Open my heart and mind to understand the Scriptures and to speak effectively about you to others. Make me an expert witness of your love and mercy to everyone I meet today."
----------
God bless.
AC
