The Lord hears the cry of the poor. — Psalm 34:7

Mass readings: Acts 5:27-33 / John 3:31-36 

Those Who Can, Teach 

When the high priest called the apostles before the Sanhedrin in today’s first reading, he demanded to know why they had ignored his order to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter, ever the spokesman, replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” 

As any of you who are teachers know, it’s not a profession one can stop on command. When I kid my composition classes that I have taught for 150 years, not one student bats an eye. Young people think we instructors live in our desk drawers and haunt the hallways by night. As the end of another semester looms, I agree with Peter that God expects us to complete the jobs to which He has called us. Even if it feels like 150 years. 

Prayer: Lord God, help us accomplish the tasks to which You have called us by using the talents You have given us.