11 April, Thursday — Remember your purpose in life

11 Apr – St Stanislaus, Bishop, Martyr

Stanislaus of Szczepanów (26 July 1030 – 11 April 1079) was Bishop of Kraków known chiefly for having been martyred by the Polish King Bolesław II the Generous. Stanislaus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus the Martyr.

He was educated at a cathedral school in Gniezno (then the capital of Poland) and later, probably at Paris. On his return to Poland, Stanislaus was ordained a priest by Lambert II Suła, Bishop of Kraków. Following his ordination, he was given a canonry in Kraków and became known for his preaching. He was subsequently made pastor of Czembocz near Kraków, canon and preacher at the cathedral, and later, vicar-general.

• Wikipedia

Acts 5:27-33
Jn 3:31-36

Obedience to God comes before obedience to men…

I have always wondered why there is a need to obey. In this day and age where everybody values freedom, it appears that the need to obey is antiquated and some would say outdated. Yet the readings of today remind us that obedience is not that of compliance but more of a response to a loving relationship.

The apostles continued to boldly preach the Gospel because they had a real encounter with the Lord Jesus. They knew what the good Lord did for them and experienced his love, first hand. This does not mean that the path was all smooth. They must have had their ups and downs too, but they never lost sight of their mission – to spread the word of God to all over the world.

Their mission to spread the word of God is still our mission – we are still called to show God’s love to the people around us. The methods may be different, but the message is still the same. As we continue with our journey in life, let us never forget what God has called us to do. Our response to his love is just as important for we discover the depth of God’s mercy for each one of us.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let us remember that you love us and that we should always trust in you.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all who have the capacity to forgive others.