SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 6TH APRIL 2024

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SERMON/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 6TH APRIL 2024

Act 4:13-21; Ps.118; Mark 16:9-15

The Supremacy of the Divine Law

The drama that ensued after the healing of the lame man continues in today’s first reading. It was obvious to the elders and the Scribes that the power of God was at work in the disciples, not just in the healing event, but also with the boldness these uneducated and common men spoke. In an attempt to put God aside and enthrone themselves, the elders and scribes will not succumb to the power of God that is made manifest in their midst. They would even warn the disciples not to speak in the name of Jesus anymore.

The response of Peter and John is something Christians need to make personal: “whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard”. What a courage and conviction the disciples had; just like that of Shedrack, Meshack and Abadenego.

Peter and John made it clear that they will not obey the elders and the Scribes not because it is wrong to obey constituted authorities but because any law that contradict the divine law does not deserve our compliance. God is the creator of heaven and earth and all that exist. So the Divine law is the ultimate law. Every other law must flow from the Divine law and never contradict it. For example, if a state should make a law legalizing the use of contraception, the procurement of abortion or same sex marriage, Christians have the moral obligation not to obey such laws because they negate the Divine law of the sacredness of life and the marriage institution.

Our society is fast contradicting moral values. Sometimes, this contradiction comes from the authorities. Christians must not be intimidated to give in. Evil thrives when good men do nothing. Christ’s resurrection mandates us to obey and promote adherence to the Divine law. When our lives contradict the Divine law, it means that we have replaced God with something or someone else.

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