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.”

Reflect

To what authority are you subject? Whom do you obey? Where does your allegiance lie? Each of
us has many claims on our hearts and on our loyalties: family, friends, employer, nation. But
today’s first reading reminds us that our first and highest loyalty must always be to God.

The apostles understood that fact, as did the martyrs of the early Church. They faced persecution,
torture, and even death rather than disobey God’s laws. Even in our day there are individuals who
face the loss of family and friends, the loss of employment, and even the loss of their freedom
or their lives because of their faith and the way of living that it demands.

Most of us will never face these extremes of persecution. We are not likely to have to decide
between our lives and our faith. But we may face repercussions at work because of our ethical
commitments. We may become estranged from friends who draw us into immoral behavior. We may
need to deny ourselves things we want in order to fulfill our moral obligations. It is not easy to obey
God, but our love for God makes these sacrifices joy.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023