8 April 2027 · Latin Rite
Open in the Daily Word appAlso: Syro-Malabar Rite · Syro-Malankara Rite · മലയാളം
“He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34
The apostles, brought back from the Temple, stand before the council. The high priest reminds them: “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name.” He will not even say the name of Jesus. Peter and the apostles answer with a sentence that has given courage to believers in every century: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” This is not a contempt for authority, which the apostles will later teach Christians to respect; it is the freedom of conscience before God when a human command forbids what God commands. Then Peter proclaims the Easter message once more: “The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus… God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” Notice the purpose of his preaching: not accusation but forgiveness, offered first to Israel, the people of the promise. The Church teaches that the responsibility for the Passion cannot be laid on the Jews of that time as a whole, still less on the Jews of today, and that all of us sinners share in it (Catechism 597–598). And Peter adds a second witness beside the apostles: “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” The Spirit does not replace our witness; he speaks with it.
The Gospel closes the third chapter of St John with a meditation on the one who comes from above. John the Baptist has just said that he must decrease; now the evangelist explains why. “The one who comes from above is above all.” He does not speak second-hand; “he testifies to what he has seen and heard.” Whoever accepts his testimony “has certified this, that God is true,” like a man who puts his seal on a document. Then a phrase of great richness: “He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” The prophets received the Spirit by measure, for a time and a task; the Son receives and gives him without limit. “The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands.” Everything the Father has is in the hands that were pierced and are now risen. The chapter ends with a choice: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” The apostles in the council are living that choice. They have believed, they have received the Spirit, and so, before a powerful court, they can speak the words of God.
Theme: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
Courage before the council, witnesses with the Spirit, and the Son who gives the Spirit without measure.
“If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”” Acts 5:29
Apply: Form your conscience this week: read one page of the Catechism on a moral question you face at work or at home.
“You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” Isaiah 43:10
“And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Apply: Tell one person this week, simply and without arguing, what the risen Jesus has done for you.
“The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:2
“The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands.” John 3:35
Apply: Put one worry into the hands of the risen Lord each night this week, naming it aloud in prayer.
The Resurrection made the apostles bold and fearless before the council.
The Son who has all things in his hands gives the Spirit without measure to make us witnesses.
Take-home resolution: Pray the Come, Holy Spirit every morning until Pentecost.
Dear friends, the apostles stand before the most powerful court in their nation. They are told: stop teaching in this name. And Peter says: we must obey God rather than any human authority (Acts 5:29). These are not proud words. These are the words of a man who once denied Jesus out of fear, and who has now been changed by the Resurrection and the Spirit.
And what does Peter preach to his judges? Not anger. He says God raised Jesus to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. Even to those who opposed him, the risen Lord offers mercy. The Easter message is never a weapon against anyone; it is a door opened to everyone.
Peter says one more thing: we are witnesses, and so is the Holy Spirit. We are never alone when we speak of Jesus. In the Gospel John says that Jesus gives the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). He does not give the Spirit with a teaspoon. He pours him out.
So let us ask today for that Spirit. In our offices, our schools, our families, there are moments when we must choose between what people want and what God wants. Let us ask for the courage of Peter, and the gentleness of Peter too, so that our witness may be both firm and kind. Alleluia. Amen.
Children, the leaders told Peter: stop talking about Jesus! Peter was not afraid any more, because the Holy Spirit made him brave. He said: we must obey God first. When someone asks you to do something wrong, you can say: I want to obey God. The Holy Spirit will help you!
God of our ancestors, you raised up Jesus and exalted him at your right hand as Leader and Saviour. Give us the courage of the apostles to obey you rather than any human voice that would silence your truth, and pour out on us without measure the Spirit of your Son, that we may be faithful witnesses of his Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.