Living out of Love

First Reading: Acts 5: 27-33, Gospel: John 3: 31-36

Today's Gospel is one of those rare passages where we do not hear from the mouth of Jesus.  It is John the  Baptist talking with his disciples. And John is echoing the conversation of Jesus & Nicodemus that we have been hearing in the readings at Mass over the last few days about the one from above. Born from above - by water and Holy Spirit. The one who testifies. The one who witnesses. 

In the Acts of the Apostles - the Apostles are arrested. For the second time! Yesterday heard how they were freed by angel of the Lord. And what did they do? The went back to preaching in the name of Jesus Christ. Now they have been arrested again.
Brought before the Religious authorities - who are Afraid!
First - afraid of people following apostles, of losing them to this group. Second - afraid of the people who are getting roiled up - and the reaction of the Roman authorities. 
Do not preach in this name - The Jewish leaders don’t want to even speak the name of Jesus. All the apostles are there - not just Peter & John, and Peter is the spokesman. We must obey God - not human authorities. 

Yesterday afternoon - there was a Conference call of sorts for all the priests in the Archdiocese of Toronto. A "Webinar" with Cardinal Collins. Why are the churches closed? 
Is it because of a Government order. Or not being an Essential service? No - we are closed out of Love. Love of God - love of our neighbour - that’s what it’s all about. 
Protection of life. Care for the good - the common good is not always easy - but it is life giving!

Peter proclaims the heart of the good news. The Kerygma
Thru the death and resurrection of Jesus (St. Peter says) - whom you condemned - and whom God raised up - and has exulted - we have salvation and forgiveness.

We are in the great 90 days - Lent 40 days plus Easter 50 days.  We began the journey of Lent on Ash Wednesday marked with the words: Repent and believe in the Gospel - turn away from sin and believe in the good news. Repentance is seen as a gift from God

God's wrath is not an emotion like anger is for us. 
Gods wrath is not directed at people - but at evil. Because God is Love! 
God is not sending this virus against us. God is with us, against this evil. Jesus never sent sickness - on the contrary - he worked miracles of healing! And so we call upon Jesus. That name above every other name. In our fight. In the fight that Doctors, Nurses & all Health care workers fight. Out of Love. God who is Love - is very near to us. For the Lord hears the cry of the poor!

Peace!